Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 6.djvu/158

32 while still a misbeliever; these are those whose works are vain in this world and the next; they are the fellows of the Fire, and they shall dwell therein for aye.

Verily, those who believe, and those who flee, and those who wage war in God’s way; these may hope for God’s mercy, for God is forgiving and merciful.

They will ask thee about wine and el mâisar, say, ‘ In them both is sin and profit to men ; but the sin of both is greater than the profit of the same.’

They will ask thee what they shall expend in alms : say, ‘ The surplus.’ Thus does God manifest to you His signs ; haply ye may reflect on this world and the next ! They will ask thee about orphans : say, ‘ To do good to them is best.’ But if ye interfere with them — they are your brethren, and God knows the evildoer from the well doer ; and if God will He will surely trouble you. Verily, God is mighty, wise.