of the kingdom, since even then they would not bestow the smallest matter on men?  Do they envy other men that which God of his bounty hath given them?  We formerly gave unto the family of Abraham a book of revelations and wisdom; and we gave them a great kingdom.  There is of them who believeth on him; and there is of them who turneth aside from him:  but the raging fire of hell is a sufficient punishment.  Verily, those who disbelieve our signs, we will surely cast to be broiled in hell fire; so often as their skins shall be well burned, we will give them other skins in exchange, that they may taste the sharper torment; for God is mighty and wise.  But those who believe and do that which is right, we will bring into gardens watered by rivers:  therein shall they remain forever, and there shall they enjoy wives free from all impurity; and we will lead them into perpetual shades.  Moreover, God commandeth you to restore what ye are trusted with, to the owners; and when ye judge between men, that ye judge according to equity:  and surely an excellent virtue it is to which God exhorteth you; for God both heareth and seeth.  O true believers, obey God, and obey the apostle, and those who are in authority among you:  and if ye differ in anything, refer it unto God[72] and the apostle, if ye believe in God and the last day:  this is better, and a fairer method of determination.  Hast thou not observed those who pretend they believe in what hath been revealed unto thee, and what hath been revealed before thee?  They desire to go to judgment before Taghut, although they have been commanded not to believe in him; and Satan desireth to seduce them into a wide error.  And when it is said unto them, Come unto the book which God hath sent down, and to the apostle; thou seest the ungodly turn aside from thee, with great aversion.  But how will they behave when a misfortune shall befall them, for that which their hands have sent before them?  Then will they come unto thee, and swear by God, saying, We intended no other than to do good, and to reconcile the parties.  God knoweth what is in the hearts of these men; therefore let them alone, and admonish them, and speak unto them a word which may affect their souls.  We have not sent any apostle, but that he might be obeyed by the permission of God:  but if they, after they have injured their own souls, come unto thee, and ask pardon of God, and the apostle ask pardon for them, they shall surely find God easy to be reconciled and merciful.  And by thy Lord they will not perfectly believe, until they make thee judge of their controversies; and shall not afterwards find in their own minds any hardship in what thou shalt determine, but shall acquiesce therein with entire submission.  And if we had commanded them, saying, Slay yourselves, or depart from your houses, they would not have done it, except a few of them.  And if they had done what they were admonished, it would certainly have been better for them, and more