TRANSLATION
O People of Faith, do not consume one another’s property and possessions through illegal means, nor even by means of trade based on mutual consent. Do not destroy one another. Know that God is ever merciful to you! Anyone who does such things with enmity and evil intent, We will punish with Fire, a task easy for God to carry out. If you avoid great sins that have been forbidden, God will overlook your smaller sins and minor bad deeds, and enable you to enter a state of glory and honor.
Do not exploit or abuse bounties that God has given some of you more abundantly over others. Men shall benefit from what they earn, and women shall benefit from what they earn. Seek from God His bounty, and God is Ever Aware of all things. We have appointed heirs to all that parents and close relatives leave behind, including agreement you make among yourselves, which shall be given as stipulated. Surely God is a Witness over all things!244
INTERPRETATION
244. To bring about continued human progress and social justice, several critical aspects are highlighted in these verses:
1. We need to always put past practices into proper perspective and not follow them blindly.
1. We need to restrain our passions and uncontrolled greed, lust, and hunger for pleasure and possessions.
2. We cannot devour another’s property and possessions by illegal means, even under the pretense of trade with mutual consent.
3. We should not do physical and mental harm to anyone maliciously or with evil intent.
4. We should not envy or covet things that God has given abundantly to others.
5. Men and women are equally deserving of what they strive for and earn.
6. All inheritance and agreements of mutual consent are binding and should be given to whom they are due.
REFLECTION
Human beings and human societies are bound by our common origin and heritage. A common set of rules and guidelines has been propagated throughout the ages and through revelations given to various generations. Learning these guidelines and committing to follow them and to establish such norms, rules, and laws in society to ensure that such guidelines are being implemented are essential to human development, and by defining the quality of life, each one of us can lead on this planet.
ACTION
Let’s resolve to learn, to educate, to discuss and debate, and to find a common ground among as many of us as possible in our personal lives, in families, in societies, and among the nations and religions of the world. This is, indeed, a great resolution to go after and very much needed in our world today!