Page 792 - An Index to the Qur'an

specified period, write it down. A writer should the Prophets: ‘Now that We have given you a
write it down between you justly. No writer share of the Book and Wisdom, and then a mes-
should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him, senger comes to you confirming what is with
so he should write. The one incurring the debt you, you must believe in him and help him.’ He
should dictate and should have fear of Allah, his asked, ‘Do you agree and undertake my commis-
Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person sion on that condition?’ They replied, ‘We agree.’
incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or un- He said, ‘Bear witness, then. I am with you as
able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate one of the witnesses.’ (3:81)
for him justly. Two men among you should act as How can Allah guide a people who have disbe-
witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a lieved after having believed? They bore witness
man and two women with whom you are satis- that the Messenger was true and that the Clear
fied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the Signs had come to them. Allah does not guide
other can remind her. Witnesses should not re- people who are wrongdoers. (3:86)
fuse when they are called upon. Do not think it Say, ‘People of the Book, why do you reject
too trivial to write down, whether small or large, Allah’s Signs when Allah is witness of everything
with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more you do?’ (3:98)
just in Allah’s sight and more helpful when bear- Say, ‘People of the Book, why do you bar those
ing witness and more likely to eliminate any who believe from the Way of Allah, seeking in it
doubt–unless it is an immediate transaction hand something crooked, when you yourselves are
to hand, taken and given without delay. There is witnesses to it? Allah is not unaware of what you
nothing wrong in your not writing that down. do.’ (3:99)
Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a
nor witness should be put under pressure. If you marriageable age, then if you perceive that they
do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of have sound judgement hand over their property
Allah and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and
has knowledge of all things. (2:282) precipitately before they come of age. Those
Allah bears witness that there is no god but Him, who are wealthy should abstain from it alto-
as do the angels and the people of knowledge, gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly
upholding justice. There is no god but Him, the and correctly. When you hand over their prop-
Almighty, the All-Wise. (3:18) erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on
When ‘Isa sensed disbelief on their part, he said, their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6)
‘Who will be my helpers to Allah?’ The disciples If any of your women commit fornication, four of
said, ‘We are Allah's helpers. We believe in you must be witnesses against them. If they bear
Allah. Bear witness that we are Muslims. Our witness, detain them in their homes until death
Lord, we believe in what You have sent down releases them or Allah ordains another proce-
and have followed the Messenger, so write us dure for their case. (4:15)
down among the witnesses.’ (3:52-53) We have appointed heirs for everything that par-
Say, ‘People of the Book! Come to a proposition ents and relatives leave. If you have a bond with
which is the same for us and you–that we should people, give them their share. Allah is a witness
worship none but Allah and not associate any of all things. (4:33)
partners with Him and not take one another as How will it be when We bring a witness from
lords besides Allah.’ If they turn away, say, ‘Bear every nation and bring you as a witness against
witness that we are Muslims.’ (3:64) them? (4:41)
People of the Book! Why do you reject Allah’s Any good thing that happens to you comes from
Signs when you yourselves are there as wit- Allah. Any bad thing that happens to you comes
nesses? (3:70) from yourself. We have sent you to mankind as a
Remember when Allah made a covenant with Messenger. Allah suffices as a Witness. (4:79)
790