Hashim Amir-Ali, The Message of the Qur’an: Presented in Perspective (1974)

70 Have there not come to them the echoes of those who were before them? The peoples of Nuh, of ‘Ad, of Thamud — the peoples of Ibrahim, the dwellers of Madyan and the cities overturned? To all of them there came their Apostles with proofs (of Allah’s Laws) — it was not Allah who wronged them: it was, indeed, they who wronged themselves.

71 And the faithful men and faithful women are guardians one of another: urge they (each other) to good deeds and hold (each other) back from evil; stand they fast to their duties, their obligations they fulfil — obey they Allah and His Messenger! Soon will Allah shower His mercy on them and, verily, Allah is the Sovereign and the Wise.

72 Allah promiseth to the faithful men and faithful women gardens evergreen beneath which rivers flow-therein they shall dwell — and residences fresh and pure for long sojourns. Above all, Allah’s grace! That is the greatest blessing!

73 O thou Apostle! Strive thou against both infidels and the pseudo-faithful; be thou firm with them — they are bound for hell and evil is their destination.

74 They swear that they did not say that but, (in any case) they did say something sceptical, their doubts displacing their belief! They also tried what they could not achieve! What is it that they complain of? Is it that Allah, with His Messenger, and His grace, has made them rich?! But (even now), if they are (really) penitent it is good for them; but if they should return (to their evil ways) Allah will punish them with severe punishment, in the present and the future; and there shall be for them no patron, none to help!

75 Among them there are those who had made a covenant with Allah: “If He giveth us of His bounty we shall offer freely — we shall, indeed, be honest!”

76 But when He gives them out of His bounty, they turn niggardly, go back (on their covenant) and make excuses.

77 The falseness in their hearts He maketh to pursue them until the day they're face to face with Him! Because they had turned back from that which they had promised Allah! Because they lied!

78 Are they not aware that Allah knoweth all their secrets and their inward plottings? Verily, Allah is the Knower of the hidden!

79 Those who reproach the volunteers among the faithful for offering contributions, and (reproach also) those who nothing have to offer except their labour — those among them who make fun — Allah will make fun of them — for them is punish- ment severe.

80 Thou mayest plead for them, or, thou mayest not plead for them: even if thou wast to plead for them seventy times, Allah will not forgive them! That is because they have played false with Allah and His Apostle And Allah guideth not a people false!