Surah Al Maidah: Ayats 21–30
My people! Enter the holy land, which Allah has assigned to you, and don’t turn back, for then you’ll be among the losers.” [21]
“But Moses!” they cried. “There’s a powerful nation already here in this land, and We’ll never be able to enter it unless they leave. If they go away, then, and only then, can we go in!” [22]
However, two God-fearing men – upon whom Allah had granted His favor – came forward and (boldly) suggested, “Enter (their main stronghold) through a certain entrance (that we discovered on our scouting mission). When you’re inside (the walls of the city), victory will be yours, so trust in Allah if you really have faith.” [23]
Yet, many of the people persisted in their cowardice) and said, “Moses! As long as they’re present we’ll never be able to enter this land – even until the end of time! You and your Lord can go and fight while we sit here (and watch).” [24]
(Moses) called out, “My Lord! I only have power over myself and my brother, so separate us from these rebellious people!” [25]
(Allah) answered, “So indeed it shall be. This land will be forbidden for them for forty years. Until then, they’ll wander aimlessly in the wilderness, but don’t feel depressed on account of these rebellious people.” [26]
Relate to them the story of the two sons of Adam in all accuracy. They both presented an offering (to Allah), but it was accepted from one, though not from the other. (In a jealous rage, Cain) said to his brother, “I’m going to kill you!” “Allah (only) accepts offerings,” (Abel) replied, “from those who are mindful (and sincere to Him).” [27]
(Then he tried to reason with his angry brother), saying, “If you raise your hand against me to kill me, I won’t raise my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allah, the Lord of All the Worlds. [28]
As for me, I want you take my sins upon yourself to add them with yours, for then you’ll become a companion of the Fire, and that’s the payback of all those who do wrong.” [29]
(Cain’s jealous) soul incited him to murder his brother, and so he killed him and became hopelessly lost. [30]
Translation: Yahiya Emerick
Footnote: A short time after freeing the believers from Egypt, Moses was given the mission to settle them in a new land where they could become a nation. He sent 12 scouts to reconnoiter the area. They returned with glowing reports of a bountiful region. In the land of Canaan there were many areas in which the weary refugees could settle. All that stood in the way were several war-like peoples, chief among them were fearsome natives called the Canaanites, who would never let the people of Moses settle in their territory without a fight.
Footnote to verse 29-30: Islam teaches that if one person harms another, then on Judgement Day the wrongdoer will have to give up some of his, or her good deeds to pay back the victim. The villain also runs the risk of having some of the victim’s sins assigned to him.
Flowers and Breezes 