In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
(1) This is a chapter that We revealed, and its rules are a must-follow. It contains clear commandments for you to pay attention to.
(2) If someone, whether a male or a female, commits fornication, then whip each of them a hundred lashes. And don't let pity stop you from following God's rules, especially if you believe in God and the afterlife. Make sure a group of believers sees their punishment.
(3) A male fornicator should marry only a female fornicator or someone who worships idols, and a female fornicator should marry only a male fornicator or someone who worships idols. This is not allowed for believers.
(4) And if someone falsely accuses innocent girls of doing such an act and can't prove it with four witnesses, then whip them eighty lashes, and their testimony should never be accepted. They are indeed rebellious.
(5) Unless they change their ways and ask for forgiveness, then God is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
(6) If someone accuses his wife without any witnesses except himself, he should make a statement four times, saying, "I swear to God that I am telling the truth."
(7) Then, on the fifth time, he should say, "May God punish me if I'm lying."
(8) The accused wife can avoid punishment by making a similar statement four times, saying, "I swear to God that he is lying."
(9) On the fifth time, she should say, "May God be angry with me if he is telling the truth."
(10) And things would be much worse if it weren't for God's kindness, forgiveness, and the fact that God is the Acceptor of repentance and Wise.
(11) Indeed, those who spread that outrageous slander 'against Ayesha' are some of you. Do not think it is bad for you; it is good. Each person involved will be punished for their share of the mistake. The person who started this will face severe punishment.
(12) If only, when you heard it, believing men and women thought well of each other and said, "This is false!"
(13) Why didn't they bring four witnesses to prove it? In God's sight, they're liars if they can't provide those witnesses.
(14) And if it were not for God's kindness and mercy toward you in this life and the next, you would have faced great punishment for what you've done.
(15) When you gossip about it from one tongue to the other without knowing the truth and treat it like it's not a big deal, it's a serious matter in God's sight. So be careful with your words and actions.
(16) If only, when you heard it, you said, "We shouldn't talk about this. Glory be to You, our Lord; this is a serious slander.”
(17) God warns you not to repeat something like that if you're a believer.
(18) And God explains these verses to you. He's All-Knowing, All-Wise.
(19) Indeed, those who love to spread immoralities among the believers will face painful punishment in this life and the afterlife. God knows, and you do not.
(20) And if it were not for God's kindness and mercy toward you, and the fact that God is Loving and Compassionate.
(21) O you who believe! Don't follow in the footsteps of Satan. Let those who follow it know that he always encourages bad behavior and causes problems. Without God's kindness and mercy, none of you would be pure. But God purifies whoever He wants. God is always listening and knows everything.
(22) People with goodness and wealth among you shouldn't refuse to help their relatives, the needy, and those who've migrated for the sake of God. Instead, forgive and be generous. Don't you want God to forgive you? He's Forgiving and Full of Mercy.
(23) Those who slander honorable, innocent, and faithful women will suffer great punishment in this life and the afterlife.
(24) On that Day, their tongues, hands, and feet will testify against them and what they have done.
(25) On that Day, God will make sure they get what they deserve, and they'll realize that God is the Ultimate Truth.
(26) Bad women are for bad men, and bad men are for bad women. And good women are for good men, and good men are for good women. The good-hearted are innocent of what the bad say. They'll receive forgiveness and blessings.
(27) O you who believe! Do not enter someone else's home without first seeking permission and greeting the people there. This is the best and the right thing to do so that you may be mindful.
(28) And if you do not find anyone in there, enter it once you are given permission. If they ask you to leave, then leave. This is purer for you, and God knows everything you do.
(29) It's okay to enter an empty house if you have stuff there. God knows what you do in public and in private.
(30) Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and safeguard their privates. That is purer and the best way for them. Surely, God is Well Aware of what they do.
(31) And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, guard their privates, and only show what typically appears of their beauty. Let them cover their chests with veils, and don't reveal their hidden beauty to everyone—just to their husband, father, father-in-law, sons, stepsons, brothers, nephews, and close female friends. Also, they only show it to their female servants, male servants who are free of sexual desires, and kids who don't care about seeing that stuff. And let them not stomp their feet to show off their hidden adornments. O believers! Turn to God so that you may be successful!
(32) And help the singles among you get married and your righteous servants, whether male or female. If they are poor, God will bless them out of His bounty. God is Generous and All-Knowing.
(33) Let those not ready for marriage because of money wait until God helps them become independent. And if any of your servants want to be free, let them go if you see goodness in them. Share with them some of your wealth that God gave you. Don't force your maids into prostitution because you want money; if they want to remain pure. If someone forces them, remember that God is Forgiving and Merciful after forcing them.
(34) And indeed, We have sent you clear signs, stories from the past, and advice for those who want to do what's right.
(35) God is the light of the heavens and the earth. His light is like a niche in which there is a lamp. The lamp is in a crystal. The crystal shines like a bright star. It is lit from the oil of a blessed olive tree that's neither in the east nor the west. This oil would almost glow without being touched by fire. God guides whoever He wants to His light and shows examples and important lessons to people. God is All-Knowing of all things.
(36) That light glows in the places of worship God commanded to be built, where His Name is praised. He is glorified both in the morning and evening.
(37) By men who are so devoted to God that they don't let their busy lives or work get in the way of remembering God, praying, and giving to those in need. They're worried about the Day when hearts and eyes will tremble.
(38) They do this so that God will reward them for their good deeds and give them extra blessings from His love. God gives to whoever He wants; there's no end to His generosity.
(39) On the other hand, for those who don't believe in God, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty thinks it is water from afar, but when he gets close, he finds nothing. Instead, he sees God in the Hereafter, ready to judge him, and God is quick to take account.
(40) Or their actions like the darkness in a very deep ocean, covered by waves upon waves, and dark clouds are on top of them. Darkness upon darkness! It's so dark that he can hardly see his hand if he brings it out. And whoever God does not give him light, there won't be any light for him!
(41) Can't you see how God is praised by everything in the sky and the Earth, including the birds as they fly? Each of them knows how to worship and praise God. And God knows everything they do.
(42) Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to God; in the end, everything will return to Him.
(43) Have you ever wondered how rain comes from clouds? God gathers these clouds, forming a massive pile, and then allows the rain to pour down. At times, He sends mountains of clouds from the sky, filled with hail, to hit whomever He chooses or to keep them away from others. The bright flash of the lightning can almost take away one's sight!
(44) God makes the day and night alternate back and forth. It's a lesson for wise people who know how things work.
(45) God made all living creatures from water. Some slither on the ground; some walk on two legs, and others on all fours. God can create whatever He wants. Indeed, God is Capable of anything.
(46) We have indeed revealed clear messages, and God guides whoever He chooses to the Right Path.
(47) And they say, “We believe in God and the Messenger, and we obey.” Then they change their minds after that. Those guys aren't true believers.
(48) Some turn away When asked to let God and His Messenger help solve their problems.
(49) But if they know they're right, they'll come running to get help and be super cooperative.
(50) So, do they have issues in their hearts, are they unsure, or are they afraid that God or His Messenger might mistreat them? They're the ones who messed up.
(51) And when believers are asked to come to God and His Messenger so he may judge between them, their only answer is, "We hear and obey." These are the ones who will succeed for real.
(52) Anyone who obeys God and His Messenger is humble before Him and shows respect they are the real winner.
(53) And the hypocrites swear by God, using their most serious oaths, that if they were told to fight for God’s cause, they'd be ready. Say, “You don't need to swear like that. Your willingness to obey is clear!” Indeed, God knows best what you're all about.
(54) Say, “Just follow God and His Messenger.” If they turn away, it's the Messenger's job to deliver the message, and your job is to follow his guidance. If you obey the Messenger, you'll be on the Right Path. The Messenger's only duty is to convey a clear message.
(55) God has promised those who believe among you and do good deeds will be leaders on earth, just like those who came before them. He'll strengthen their religion, which He has chosen for them, and He'll indeed replace their fear with peace and security. They'll worship Me alone and not put anyone else on the same level as Me. But those who don't believe after this are in the wrong.
(56) Pray, give to those in need, and follow the Messenger so that you can receive mercy.
(57) Never think those who don't believe in God can conquer everything on earth. They will indeed face the Fire, and evil is their end!
(58) O you who believe! Let your servants and young children seek your permission before entering your room on three occasions: in the morning before sunrise, at noon when you change your clothes, and after the night prayer. It is important to have your personal space during these times. But you can still spend time with them at other hours. God is helping you understand these rules better. God is All-knowing, All-Wise.
(59) When the younger ones in your family grow up and reach the age of puberty, they should also ask for permission, just like those before them did. God is guiding you through these verses. He's All-Knowing, All-Wise!
(60) Older women no longer looking to get married don't have to wear their outer clothes as long as they're not trying to show off their fancy accessories. But it's still better for them to be modest and avoid doing this altogether. God is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
(61) There is no blame on the blind, the disabled, or the sick, nor on you if you choose to eat in your own homes, your parents' homes, your siblings' homes, your uncles' homes, your aunts' homes, or any house to which you have the keys—even your friends' homes. It's entirely acceptable to dine alone or with others. When visiting someone's house, remember to be polite and exchange greetings of peace from God, blessed and good. This is how God makes His revelations clear so that you may understand.
(62) True believers are the ones who have faith in God and His Messenger. When they gather with him for something important, they stay until he says it's okay to leave. Indeed, if someone asks permission to go, they have faith in God and His Messenger. So, when they ask, you can let them go and ask God to forgive them. God is always Forgiving and Merciful.
(63) Don't talk to the Messenger as you would with friends. God knows if you secretly disobey him or sneak away. If you go against the Messenger's instructions, be careful because trouble or painful punishment may come your way.
(64) Remember, the heavens and the earth belong to God. He knows everything about your life. On the Day you return to Him, He will tell you about all you've done. God has complete knowledge of everything.