M. H. Shakir, The Holy Quran; Arabic Text and English Translation; Foot-notes by M. H. Shakir (1974)
struggled hard along with you, they are of you; and the possessors of relationships are nearer to each other in the ordinance of Allah; surely Allah knows all things.
Chapter 9
The Immunity (Baraat)
1. *(This is a declaration of) immunity by Allah and His Apostle towards those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement.
2. So go about in the land for four months and know that you cannot weaken Allah and that Allah will bring disgrace to the unbelievers.
3. And an announcement from Allah and His Apostle to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah and His Apostle are free from liability to the idolaters; therefore if you repent, it will be better for you, and if you turn back, then know that you will not weaken Allah; and announce painful punishment to those who disbelieve.
4. Except those of the idolaters with whom you made an
* This is the only Surah or Chapter in the whole Quran, which does not begin with Bismillah, because it is an ultimatum to the unbelievers.
Ali, instead of Abu Baker, was asked to read this chapter to the multitude at Mecca.
