1
WHEN THE HYPOCRITES come unto thee, they say, "We bear witness that thou art indeed God's Apostle!" But God knows that thou art truly His Apostle; and He bears witness that the hypocrites are indeed false [in their declaration of faith].
2
They have made their oaths a cover [for their falseness], and thus they turn others away from the path of God.1 Evil, indeed, is all that they are wont to do:
3
this, because [they profess that] they have attained to faith, whereas2 [inwardly] they deny the truth - and so, a seal has been set on their hearts, so that they can no longer understand [what is true and what false].3
4
Now when thou seest them, their outward appearance may please thee; and when they speak, thou art inclined to lend ear to what they say.4 [But though they may seem as sure of themselves] as if they were timbers [firmly] propped up, they think that every shout is [directed] against them. They are the [real] enemies [of all faith], so beware of them. [They deserve the imprecation,] "May God destroy them!"5 How perverted are their minds!6 -
5
for, when they are told, "Come, the Apostle of God will pray [unto God] that you be forgiven", they turn their heads away, and thou canst see how they draw back in their false pride.
6
As for them, it is all the same whether thou dost pray that they be forgiven or dost not pray for them: God will not forgive them - for, behold, God does not bestow His guidance upon such iniquitous folk.7
7
It is they who say [to their compatriots8], "Do not spend anything on those who are with God's Apostle, so that they [may be forced to] leave."9 However, unto God belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth: but this truth the hypocrites cannot grasp.
8
[And] they say, "Indeed, when we return to the City,10 [we,] the ones most worthy of honour, will surely drive out therefrom those most contemptible ones!" However, all honour belongs to God, and [thus] to His Apostle and those who believe [in God]: but of this the hypocrites are not aware.11
9
O YOU who have attained to faith! Let not your worldly goods or your children make you oblivious of the remembrance of God: for if any behave thus - it is they, they who are the losers!
10
And spend on others out of what We have provided for you as sustenance,12 ere there come a time when death approaches any of you, and he then says, "O my Sustainer! If only Thou wouldst grant me a delay for a short while,13 so that I could give in charity and be among the righteous!"
11
But never does God grant a delay to a human being when his term has come; and God is fully aware of all that you do.
