The Majestic Quran

T E 96 The first house founded for people to worship in was that in Bakka , 61 as a blessing and source of guidance for all people. 97 There are clear signs in it, for example the place where Abraham stood. Anyone entering it will be given sanctuary. Pilgrimage to the Ancient House is compulsory for People who can make the journey, in order to seek God’s pleasure. Anyone who denies this duty should know that God is Self-Sufficient, independent of all the creation. A G ’ 98 Say: “People of The Book, why do you deny God’s signs, knowing that God is a witness to all that you do?” 99 Say: “People of The Book, why do you stop believers from God’s path, seeking to make those signs appear to be a deviation, even though you are eyewitnesses to them . God is not unaware of what you do?” 100 Believers, if you pay heed to the teachings of any sect of the People of The Book, they will urge you to revert to disbelief after having believed. 101 How could you possibly disbelieve when God’s verses are being recited to you and His Messenger lives among you? Anyone who holds firmly to faith in God will be guided to a straight path. U G ’ 102 Believers, fear God as He deserves to be feared, and do not die except in state of submission to Him . 103 Hold tightly to God’s rope altogether, let nothing divide you, and remember God’s favour on you when you were enemies and He joined your hearts together in mutual love so that, by His favour, you became brothers. You were on the edge of a pit of fire when He saved you from falling into it. This is how God makes clear His signs for you, so you may be rightly guided. 104 There should always be a group among you that calls people to what is best, enjoins the common good and forbids evil; these people are the successful. S 105 Don’t be like those who differed and became divided among themselves after clear signs came to them; severe punishment awaits such people, 106 on a day when some faces will be bright whilst others will be gloomy. As for those whose faces are gloomy, they will be asked , “Did you disbelieve after having believed? So taste the punishment for your disbelief!” 107