Muhammad (Muhammad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
God will bring to naught all the good deeds of those who are bent on denying the truth and bar [others] from the path of God. 1 As for the believers who do good works and believe in what is sent down to Muhammad which is the truth from their Lord He will acquit them of their sins and repair their condition. 2 That is because those who refuse to believe only follow what is false; but those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. That is how God gives men precepts of wisdom. 3 NOW WHEN you meet [in war] those who are bent on denying the truth, smite their necks until you overcome them fully, and then tighten their bonds; but thereafter [set them free,] either by an act of grace or against ransom, so that the burden of war may be lifted: thus [shall it be]. And [know that] had God so willed, He could indeed punish them [Himself]; but [He wills you to struggle] so as to test you [all] by means of one another. And as for those who are slain in God's cause, never will He let their deeds go to waste: 4 He will guide them and improve their condition; 5 And admit them to Paradise, which He has made known to them. 6 O believers, if you help God, He will help you, and confirm your feet. 7 but as for those who are bent on denying the truth, ill fortune awaits them, since He will let all their [good] deeds go to waste: 8 this, because they hate [the very thought of] what God has bestowed from on high and thus He causes all their deeds to come to nought! 9 ۞ Have they not travelled the earth and seen how those before them met their end? God destroyed them utterly: a similar fate awaits those who deny the truth. 10 This is so for God is the friend of those who believe while the unbelievers have no friend. 11