He sets forth to you a parable relating to yourselves: Have you among those whom your right hands possess partners in what We have given you for sustenance, so that with respect to it you are alike; you fear them as you fear each other? Thus do We make the communications distinct for a people who understand. 28 No, the wrongdoers follow their own desires without knowledge. And who can guide those whom Allah has led astray? There shall be none to help them. 29 (Muhammad), be devoted to the upright religion. It is harmonious with the nature which God has designed for people. The design of God cannot be altered. Thus is the upright religion, but many people do not know. 30 ۞ [Adhere to it], turning in repentance to Him, and fear Him and establish prayer and do not be of those who associate others with Allah 31 those who split up their religion and became divided into sects; each one exulting in what they have. 32 And when adversity touches the people, they call upon their Lord, turning in repentance to Him. Then when He lets them taste mercy from Him, at once a party of them associate others with their Lord, 33 So that they may be ungrateful for that which We have vouchsafed to them. So enjoy awhile; presently ye shall come to know. 34 Or have We revealed to them a Scripture, which speaks of that which they have been associating with Him? 35 And when We cause mankind to taste of mercy they rejoice therein; but if an evil thing befall them as the consequence of their own deeds, lo! they are in despair! 36 Have they not seen that God outspreads and straitens His provision to whom He will? Surely in that are signs for a people who believe. 37 So give the near relative, the needy, and the wayfarer their due -- that is best for those who seek God's pleasure: such men are the ones who will surely prosper. 38 Whatever you lend out in usury to gain in value through other people's wealth will not increase in God's eyes, but whatever you give in alms in your desire for God's pleasure will be multiplied. 39 Allah is He Who created you and provided food for you, then He causeth you to die, and then He shall quicken you. Is there any of your associate-gods that doth aught of that? Hallowed and exalted be He above that which they associate! 40