English Translation: Page 198
69.
Like those before you: they were mightier than you in power, and more
abundant in wealth and children. They had enjoyed their portion (awhile), so
enjoy your portion (awhile) as those before you enjoyed their portion (awhile);
and you indulged in play and pastime (and in telling lies against Allâh and His
Messenger Muhammad صلى الله
عليه وسلم) as they indulged in
play and pastime. Such are they whose deeds are in vain in this world and in the
Hereafter. Such are they who are the losers.
70.
Has not the story reached them of those before them? - The people of
Nûh (Noah), ‘Âd, and Thamûd, the people of Ibrâhîm (Abraham), the
dwellers of Madyan (Midian) and the cities overthrown [i.e. the people to whom Lût
(Lot) preached]; to them came their Messengers with clear proofs. So it was not
Allâh Who wronged them, but they used to wrong themselves.
71.
The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers,
supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘rûf
(i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid
(people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and
all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât),
and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have
His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
72.
Allâh has promised the believers - men and women, - Gardens under
which rivers flow to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of
‘Adn (Eden Paradise). But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of
Allâh. That is the supreme success.