He propoundeth unto you a similitude taken from yourselves. Have you, from among those whom your right hands own, partners in that wherewith We have provided you, so that ye are equal in respect thereof, and ye fear them as ye fear each other? In this wise We detail the signs for a people who reflect. 28 In fact, the unjust have followed their desires without knowledge. Who will guide those whom God has caused to go astray? No one will be their helper. 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 ۞ Turning to Him, and be careful of (your duty to) Him and keep up prayer and be not of the polytheists 31 [or] among those who have broken the unity of their faith and have become sects, each group delighting in but what they themselves hold [by way of tenets]. 32 NOW [thus it is:] when affliction befalls men, they cry out unto their Sustainer, turning unto Him [for help]; but as soon as He lets them taste of His grace, lo! some of them [begin to] ascribe to other powers a share in their Sustainer's divinity, 33 So as to be ungrateful for the graces which We have bestowed on them. Then enjoy (your short life); but you will come to know. 34 Or have We revealed unto them any warrant which speaketh of that which they associate with Him? 35 When people receive mercy, they are happy with it. However, when hardship befalls them because of their own deeds, they despair. 36 Do they not see that Allah enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (it for whom He wills). Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who believe. 37 So give the relative his right, as well as the needy and the traveler. That is best for those who desire the countenance of Allah, and it is they who will be the successful. 38 And that which you give upon usury, in order that it may increase the creditors’ property, will not increase before Allah; and the charity you give seeking the pleasure of Allah – only that will increase manifold. 39 It is God who has created you and given you sustenance. He will make you die and will bring you back to life. Can any of your idols do such things? God is too Exalted to be considered equal to anything else. 40