Page 208 - An Index to the Qur'an

restricts it. They rejoice in the life of this world. life of this world is only fleeting enjoyment. It is
Yet the life of this world, compared to the here- the hereafter which is the abode of permanence.’
after, is only fleeting enjoyment. (13:26) (40:39)
A brief enjoyment (will be theirs), then they will Whatever you have been given is only the enjoy-
have a painful punishment. (16:117) ment of the life of this world. What is with Allah
Those who cannot find the means to marry is better and longer lasting for those who believe
should be abstinent until Allah enriches them and trust in their Lord. (42:36)
from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to I let those people and their forefathers enjoy
make a contract to free themselves, write it for themselves until the truth came to them and a
them if you know of good in them and give them Messenger to make it clear. (43:29)
some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not Were it not that mankind might all become one
force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if community, We would have given those who re-
they desire to be virtuous women out of your de- ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses
sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces and silver stairways to ascend and silver doors to
them, then after they have been forced, Allah is their houses and silver couches on which to re-
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33) cline, and gold ornaments. All that is merely the
They will say, ‘Glory be to You! It would not have trappings of the life of this world. But the here-
been fitting for us to have taken any protectors after with your Lord is for those who guard
apart from You. But You let them and their fathers against evil. (43:33-35)
enjoy themselves so that they forgot the Allah will admit those who believe to Gardens
Reminder. They were people devoid of good.’ with rivers flowing under them. Those who dis-
(25:18) believe have their enjoyment, eating as cattle
Do you think, if We let them enjoy themselves eat, but the Fire will be their final residence.
for years and then what they were promised (47:12)
comes to them, that what they enjoyed will be of Know that the life of this world is merely a game
any use to them? (26:205-207) and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of
Anything you have been given is only the enjoy- boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo
ment of the life of this world and its finery. What one another in wealth and children: like the
is with Allah is better and longer lasting. So will plant-growth after rain which delights the cultiva-
you not use your intellect? (28:60) tors, but then it withers and you see it turning yel-
Is someone whom We have promised good and low, and then it becomes broken stubble. In the
who then obtains it, the same as someone whom hereafter there is terrible punishment but also for-
We have given enjoyment in the life of this world giveness from Allah and His good pleasure. The
and who then, on the Day of Rising, is one of those life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of
brought to punishment? (28:61) delusion. (57:20)
When harm touches people they call on their Lord,
repenting to Him. But then, when He gives them a ENVY
taste of mercy from Him, a group of them immedi- Many of the People of the Book would love it if
ately associate others with their Lord to show in- they could turn you back to disbelief after you
gratitude for what We have given them. ‘Enjoy have become believers, showing their innate envy
yourselves–you will soon know.’ (30:33-34) now that the truth is clear to them. But you should
We will let them enjoy themselves a little, then pardon and overlook until Allah gives His com-
drive them to a harsh punishment. (31:24) mand. Truly Allah has power over all things.
Say: ‘Flight will not benefit you if you try to run (2:109)
away from death or being killed. Then you will Mankind was a single community. Then Allah
only enjoy a short respite.’ (33:16) sent out Prophets bringing good news and giving
(The man who believed said,) ‘My people! The warning, and with them He sent down the Book
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