40

they are, those who were expelled from their homes without right, for their expulsion; they were expelled, only because they said, that is, because of their saying: 'Our Rabb is Allahu ta’ālā', alone: such a saying is 'right', and so then to be expelled for [saying] it is to be expelled without right. Were it not for Allah’s causing some people (ba'dahum, 'some', substitutes for al-nāsa, 'people') to drive back others, destruction would have befallen (read la-huddimat to emphasise a great number [of destructions]; or read la-hudimat) the monasteries, (sawāmi') is for monks, and churches, (kanā'is) are for Christians, and synagogues, (salawāt) is the Hebrew term for Jewish houses of worship (kanā'is), and mosques, (masājid) are for Muslims, in which, that is, in which mentioned places, Allah’s Name is mentioned greatly, and with such destruction acts of worship cease. Assuredly Allahu ta’ālā will help those who help Him, that is, [who] help His religion. Allahu ta’ālā is truly Strong, overpowering His creation, Mighty, Invincible in terms of His dominion and power;