<A HREF="TheConfederates000"><</A>
supporter, etc.) or any helper.

18. Allh already knows those among you who keep back (men) from fighting in Allh's Cause, and those who say to their brethren "Come here towards us," while they (themselves) come not to the battle except a little.

19. Being miserly towards you (as regards help and aid in Allh's Cause). Then when fear comes, you will see them looking to you, their eyes revolving like (those of) one over whom hovers death, but when the fear departs, they will smite you with sharp tongues, miserly towards (spending anything in any) good (and only covetous of booty and wealth). Such have not believed. Therefore Allh makes their deeds fruitless, and that is ever easy for Allh.

20. They think that AlAhzb (the Confederates) have not yet withdrawn, and if AlAhzb (the Confederates) should come (again), they would wish they were in the deserts (wandering) among the bedouins, seeking news about you (from a far place); and if they (happen) to be among you, they would not fight but little.

21. Indeed in the Messenger of Allh (Muhammad ) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allh and the Last Day and remembers Allh much.

22. And when the believers saw AlAhzb (the Confederates), they said: "This is what Allh and His Messenger (Muhammad ) had promised us, and Allh and His Messenger (Muhammad ) had spoken the truth, and it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allh).

23. Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allh [i.e. they have gone out for Jihd (holy fighting), and showed not their backs to the disbelievers], of them some have fulfilled their obligations (i.e. have been martyred), and some of them are still waiting, but they have never changed [i.e.they never proved treacherous to their covenant which they concluded with Allh] in the least.

24. That Allh may reward the men of truth for their truth (i.e. for their patience at the accomplishment of that which they covenanted with Allh), and punish the hypocrites if He will or accept their repentance by turning to them in Mercy. Verily, Allh is OftForgiving, Most Merciful.

25. And Allh drove back those who disbelieved in their rage, they gained no advantage (booty, etc.). Allh sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allh is Ever AllStrong, AllMighty.

26. And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them (the disbelievers) Allh brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a group (of them) you killed, and a group (of them) you made captives.

27. And He caused you to inherit their lands, and their houses, and their riches, and a land which you had not trodden (before). And Allh is Able to do all things.

28. O Prophet (Muhammad )! Say to your wives: If you desire the life of this world, and its glitter, Then come! I will make a provision for you and set you free in a handsome manner (divorce).

29. But if you desire Allh and His Messenger, and the home of the Hereafter, then verily, Allh has prepared for AlMuhsint (gooddoers) amongst you an enormous reward.

30. O wives of the Prophet! Whoever of you commits an open illegal sexual intercourse, the torment for her will be doubled, and that is ever easy for Allh.

31. And whosoever of you is obedient to Allh and His Messenger , and does righteous good deeds, We shall give her, her reward twice over, and We have prepared for her Rizqan Karima (a noble provision Paradise).

32. O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allh), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.

33. And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform As-Salt
<A HREF="TheConfederates002">></A>