2.141 . Those are a people who have passed away ; theirs is that which they earned and yours that which ye earn . And ye will not be asked of what they used to do .

2.142 . The foolish of the people will say : What hath turned them from the qiblah which they formerly observed? Say : Unto Allah belong the East and the West . He guideth whom He will unto a straight path .

2.143 . Thus We have appointed you a middle nation , that ye may be witnesses against mankind . and that the messenger may be a witness against you . And We appointed the qiblah which ye formerly observed only that We might know him who followeth the messenger , from him who turneth on his heels . In truth it was a hard ( test ) save for those whom Allah guided . But it was not Allah ' s purpose that your faith should be in vain , for Allah is full of pity , Merciful toward mankind .

2.144 . We have seen the turning of thy face to heaven ( for guidance , O Muhammad ) . And now verily We shall make thee turn ( in prayer ) toward a qiblah which is dear to thee . So turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship , and ye ( O Muslims ) , wheresoever ye may be , turn your faces when ye pray ) toward it . Lo! those who have received the Scripture know that ( this Revelation ) is the Truth from their Lord . And Allah is not unaware of what they do .

2.145 . And even if thou broughtest unto those who have received the Scripture all kinds of portents , they would not follow thy qiblah , nor canst thou be a follower of their qiblah ; nor are some of them followers of the qiblah of others . And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee , then surely wert thou of the evil doers .

2.146 . Those unto whom We gave the Scripture recognize ( this revelation ) as they recognize their sons . But lo! a party of them knowingly conceal the truth .

2.147 . It is the Truth from thy Lord ( O Muhammad ) , so be not thou of those who waver .

2.148 . And each one hath a goal toward which he turneth ; so vie with one another in good works . Wheresoever ye may be , Allah will bring you all together . Lo! Allah is Able to do all things .

2.149 . And whencesoever thou comest forth ( for prayer , O Muhammad ) turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship . Lo! it is the Truth from thy Lord Allah is not unaware of what ye do .

2.150 . Whencesoever thou comest forth turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship ; and wheresoever ye may be ( O Muslims ) turn your faces toward it ( when ye pray ) so that men may have no argument against you , save such of them as do injustice Fear them not , but fear Me and so that I may complete My grace upon you , and that ye may be guided .

2.151 . Even as We have sent unto you a messenger from among you , who reciteth unto you Our revelations and causeth you to grow , and teacheth you the Scripture and wisdom , and teacheth you that which ye knew not . '

2.152 . Therefore remember Me , I will remember you . Give thanks to Me , and reject not Me .

2.153 . O ye who believe! Seek help in steadfastness , and prayer . Lo! Allah is with the steadfast .

2.154 . And call not those who are slain in the way of Allah "dead . " Nay , they are living , only ye perceive not .

2.155 . And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger , and loss of wealth and lives and crops ; but give glad tidings to the steadfast ,

2.156 . Who say , when a misfortune striketh them : Lo! we are Allah ' s and Lo! unto Him we are returning .

2.157 . Such are they on whom are blessings from their Lord , and mercy . Such are the rightly guided .

2.158 . Lo! ( the mountains ) Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the indications of Allah . It is therefore no sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House ( of God ) or visiteth it , to go around them ( as the pagan custom is ) . And he who doeth good of his own accord ( for him ) , Lo! Allah is Responsive , Aware .

2.159 . Those who hide the proofs and the guidance which We revealed , after We had made it clear in the Scripture : such are accursed of Allah and accursed of those who have the power to curse .

2.160 . Except such of them as repent and amend and make manifest ( the truth ) . These it is toward whom I relent . I am the Relenting , the Merciful .