people from thence, is more grievous in the sight of God, and the temptation to idolatry is more grievous than to kill in the sacred months.  They will not cease to war against you, until they turn you from your religion, if they be able:  but whoever among you shall turn back from his religion, and die an infidel, their works shall be vain in this world and the next; they shall be the companions of hell fire, they shall remain therein forever.  But they who believe, and who fly for the sake of religion, and fight in God’s cause, they shall hope for the mercy of God; for God is gracious and merciful.  They will ask thee concerning wine[38] and lots:[39] Answer, In both there is great sin, and also some things of use unto men, but their sinfulness is greater than their use.  They will ask thee also what they shall bestow in alms:  Answer, What ye have to spare.  Thus God showeth his signs unto you, that peradventure ye might seriously think of this present world, and of the next.  They will also ask thee concerning orphans:  Answer, To deal righteously with them is best; and if ye intermeddle with the management of what belongs to them, do them no wrong; they are your brethren:  God knoweth the corrupt dealer from the righteous; and if God please, he will surely distress you, for God is mighty and wise.  Marry not women who are idolaters, until they believe:  verily a maid-servant who believeth is better than an idolatress, although she please you more.  And give not women who believe in marriage to the idolaters, until they believe; for verily a servant who is a true believer, is better than an idolater, though he please you more.  They invite into hell fire, but God inviteth unto paradise and pardon through his will, and declareth his signs unto men, that they may remember.  They will ask thee also concerning the courses of women:  Answer, They are a pollution:  therefore separate yourselves from women in their courses, and go not near them until they be cleansed.  But when they are cleansed, go in unto them as God hath commanded you, for God loveth those who repent, and loveth those who are clean.  Your wives are your tillage; go in therefore unto your tillage in what manner soever ye will:  and do first some act that may be profitable unto your souls; and fear God, and know that ye must meet him; and bear good tidings unto the faithful.  Make not God the object of your oaths, that ye may deal justly, and be devout, and make peace among men;[40] for God is he who heareth and knoweth.  God will not punish you for an inconsiderate word in your oaths; but he will punish you for that which your hearts have assented unto:  God is merciful and gracious.  They who vow to abstain from their wives, are allowed to wait four months:  but if they go back from their vow, verily God is gracious and merciful; and if they resolve on a divorce, God is he who heareth and knoweth.  The women who are divorced shall wait concerning themselves until they have their courses thrice, and it shall not be