And who committeth a greater wrong than he who hindereth God's name from being remembered in his temples, and who hasteth to ruin them?48 Such men cannot enter them but with fear. Their's is shame in this world, and a severe torment in the next. The East and the West is God's: therefore, whichever way ye turn, there is the face of God:49 Truly God is immense and knoweth all. And they say, "God hath a son:" No! Praise be to Him! But–His, whatever is in the Heavens and the Earth! All obeyeth Him, Sole maker of the Heavens and of the Earth! And when He decreeth a thing, He only saith to it, "Be," and it is. And they who have no knowledge say, "Unless God speak to us, or thou shew us a sign . . . !" So, with like words, said those who were before them: their hearts are alike: Clear signs have we already shewn for those who have firm faith: Verily, with the Truth have we sent thee, a bearer of good tidings and a warner: and of the people of Hell thou shalt not be questioned. But until thou follow their religion, neither Jews nor Christians will be satisfied with thee. SAY: Verily, guidance of God,–that is the guidance! And if, after "the Knowledge" which hath reached thee, thou follow their desires, thou shalt find neither helper nor protector against God. They to whom we have given the Book, and who read it as it ought to be read,– these believe therein: but whoso believeth not therein, shall meet with perdition. O children of Israel! remember my favour wherewith I have favoured you, and that high above all mankind have I raised you: And dread the day when not in aught shall soul satisfy for soul, nor shall any ransom be taken from it, nor shall any intercession avail, and they shall not be helped. When his Lord made trial of Abraham by commands which he fulfilled, He said, "I am about to make thee an Imâm to mankind:" he said, "Of my offspring also:" "My covenant," said God, "embraceth not the evil doers." And remember when we appointed the Holy House50 as man's resort and safe retreat, and said, "Take ye the station of Abraham for a place of prayer:" And we commanded Abraham and Ismael, "Purify my house for those who shall go in procession round it, and those who shall abide there for devotion, and those who shall bow down and prostrate themselves." And when Abraham said, "Lord! make this secure land, and supply its people with fruits, such of them as believe in God and in the last day:" He said, "And whoso believeth not, for a little while will I bestow good things on him; then will I drive him to the torment of the Fire!" An ill passage! And when Abraham, with Ismael, raised the foundations51 of the House, they said, "O our Lord! accept it from us; for thou art the Hearer, the Knower. O our Lord! make us also Muslims, and our posterity a Muslim people; and teach us our holy rites, and be turned towards us, for thou art He who turneth, the Merciful.