whoever tastes it not, he is surely of me, except he who takes a handful with his hand. But they drank of it save a few of them. So when he had crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said: We have today no power against Goliath and his forces. Those who were sure that they would meet their Lord said: How often has a small party vanquished a numerous host by Allāh’s permission! And Allāh is with the steadfast.

250 And when they went out against Goliath and his forces, they said: Our Lord, pour out patience on us and make our steps firm and help us against the disbelieving people.

251 So they put them to flight by Allāh’s permission. And David slew Goliath, and Allāh gave him kingdom and wisdom, and taught him of what He pleased. And were it not for Allāh’s repelling some men by others, the earth would certainly be in a state of disorder; but Allāh is Full of grace to the worlds.

252 These are the messages of Allāh — We recite them to thee with truth; and surely thou art of the messengers.

253 We have made some of these messengers to excel others. Among them are they to whom Allāh spoke, and some of them He exalted by (many) degrees of rank. And We gave clear arguments to Jesus son of Mary, and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. And if Allāh had pleased, those after them would not have fought one with another after clear arguments had come to them, but they disagreed; so some of them believed and some of them denied. And if Allāh had pleased

they would not have fought one with another, but Allāh does what He intends.

254 O you who believe, spend out of what We have given you before the day comes in which there is no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And the disbelievers — they are the wrongdoers.

255 Allāh — there is no god but He, the Ever-living, the Self-subsisting by Whom all subsist. Slumber overtakes Him not, nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him but by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them. And they encompass