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Muhammad Asad   
They will ask thee about fighting in the sacred month. Say: "Fighting in it is an awesome thing (grave transgression); but turning men away from the path of God and denying Him, and [turning them away from] the Inviolable House of Worship and expelling its people there from - [all this] is yet more awesome (greater transgression) in the sight of God, since oppression is more awesome (greater transgression) than killing." [Your enemies] will not cease to fight against you till they have turned you away from your faith, if they can. But if any of you should turn away from his faith and die as a denier of the truth - these it is whose works will go for nought in this world and in the life to come; and these it is who are destined for the fire, therein to abide
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about fighting in the sacred months. Say, “Fighting during these months is a great sin. But hindering ˹others˺ from the Path of Allah, rejecting Him, and expelling the worshippers from the Sacred Mosque is ˹a˺ greater ˹sin˺ in the sight of Allah. For persecution is far worse than killing. And they will not stop fighting you until they turn you away from your faith—if they can. And whoever among you renounces their own faith and dies a disbeliever, their deeds will become void in this life and in the Hereafter. It is they who will be the residents of the Fire. They will be there forever.”
Safi Kaskas   
They ask you about fighting during the sacred month. Say, "Fighting in it is a big offense. But turning people away from the path of God, denying Him, preventing access to the Sacred Sanctuary, and expelling its residents is a bigger offense to God because sedition is a bigger offense than murder. They will not stop fighting you as long as there is the possibility of turning you away from your faith. But if any of you denies the faith and dies in a state of unbelief, their deeds will come to nothing in this world and the Hereafter. They will be in Hell, where they will remain forever.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
یَسۡءَلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلشَّهۡرِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ قِتَالࣲ فِیهِۖ قُلۡ قِتَالࣱ فِیهِ كَبِیرࣱۚ وَصَدٌّ عَن سَبِیلِ ٱللَّهِ وَكُفۡرُۢ بِهِۦ وَٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ وَإِخۡرَاجُ أَهۡلِهِۦ مِنۡهُ أَكۡبَرُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِۚ وَٱلۡفِتۡنَةُ أَكۡبَرُ مِنَ ٱلۡقَتۡلِۗ وَلَا یَزَالُونَ یُقَـٰتِلُونَكُمۡ حَتَّىٰ یَرُدُّوكُمۡ عَن دِینِكُمۡ إِنِ ٱسۡتَطَـٰعُوا۟ۚ وَمَن یَرۡتَدِدۡ مِنكُمۡ عَن دِینِهِۦ فَیَمُتۡ وَهُوَ كَافِرࣱ فَأُو۟لَـٰۤىِٕكَ حَبِطَتۡ أَعۡمَـٰلُهُمۡ فِی ٱلدُّنۡیَا وَٱلۡءَاخِرَةِۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰۤىِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِۖ هُمۡ فِیهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ ۝٢١٧
Transliteration (2021)   
yasalūnaka ʿani l-shahri l-ḥarāmi qitālin fīhi qul qitālun fīhi kabīrun waṣaddun ʿan sabīli l-lahi wakuf'run bihi wal-masjidi l-ḥarāmi wa-ikh'rāju ahlihi min'hu akbaru ʿinda l-lahi wal-fit'natu akbaru mina l-qatli walā yazālūna yuqātilūnakum ḥattā yaruddūkum ʿan dīnikum ini is'taṭāʿū waman yartadid minkum ʿan dīnihi fayamut wahuwa kāfirun fa-ulāika ḥabiṭat aʿmāluhum fī l-dun'yā wal-ākhirati wa-ulāika aṣḥābu l-nāri hum fīhā khālidūn
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
They ask you about the month [the] sacred - (concerning) fighting in it. Say, "Fighting therein (is) a great (sin); but hindering (people) from (the) way (of) Allah, and disbelief in Him and (preventing access to) Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, and driving out its people from it, (is) greater (sin) near Allah. And [the] oppression (is) greater than [the] killing." And not they will cease (to) fight with you until they turn you away from your religion, if they are able. And whoever turns away among you from his religion, then dies while he (is) a disbeliever for those became worthless their deeds in the world and the Hereafter. And those (are) companions (of) the Fire, they in it (will) abide forever.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
They will ask thee about fighting in the sacred month. Say: "Fighting in it is an awesome thing (grave transgression); but turning men away from the path of God and denying Him, and [turning them away from] the Inviolable House of Worship and expelling its people there from - [all this] is yet more awesome (greater transgression) in the sight of God, since oppression is more awesome (greater transgression) than killing." [Your enemies] will not cease to fight against you till they have turned you away from your faith, if they can. But if any of you should turn away from his faith and die as a denier of the truth - these it is whose works will go for nought in this world and in the life to come; and these it is who are destined for the fire, therein to abide
M. M. Pickthall   
They question thee (O Muhammad) with regard to warfare in the sacred month. Say: Warfare therein is a great (transgression), but to turn (men) from the way of Allah, and to disbelieve in Him and in the Inviolable Place of Worship, and to expel His people thence, is a greater with Allah; for persecution is worse than killing. And they will not cease from fighting against you till they have made you renegades from your religion, if they can. And whoso becometh a renegade and dieth in his disbelief: such are they whose works have fallen both in the world and the Hereafter. Such are rightful owners of the Fire: they will abide therein
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say: "Fighting therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members." Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you Turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the Hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire and will abide therein
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about fighting in the sacred months. Say, “Fighting during these months is a great sin. But hindering ˹others˺ from the Path of Allah, rejecting Him, and expelling the worshippers from the Sacred Mosque is ˹a˺ greater ˹sin˺ in the sight of Allah. For persecution is far worse than killing. And they will not stop fighting you until they turn you away from your faith—if they can. And whoever among you renounces their own faith and dies a disbeliever, their deeds will become void in this life and in the Hereafter. It is they who will be the residents of the Fire. They will be there forever.”
Safi Kaskas   
They ask you about fighting during the sacred month. Say, "Fighting in it is a big offense. But turning people away from the path of God, denying Him, preventing access to the Sacred Sanctuary, and expelling its residents is a bigger offense to God because sedition is a bigger offense than murder. They will not stop fighting you as long as there is the possibility of turning you away from your faith. But if any of you denies the faith and dies in a state of unbelief, their deeds will come to nothing in this world and the Hereafter. They will be in Hell, where they will remain forever.
Wahiduddin Khan   
They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say, To fight [in a sacred month] is a grave matter; but barring people from the path of God, to deny Him, and expelling people from the Sacred Mosque are far graver in His sight; and persecution is worse than killing. They will not stop fighting you until they make you renounce your faith, if they can. Whoever of you turns back from his faith and dies as a denier of the truth will have his deeds come to nothing in this world and the Hereafter, and he will be an inhabitant of the Fire, to abide therein forever
Shakir   
They ask you concerning the sacred month about fighting in it. Say: Fighting in it is a grave matter, and hindering (men) from Allah's way and denying Him, and (hindering men from) the Sacred Mosque and turning its people out of it, are still graver with Allah, and persecution is graver than slaughter; and they will not cease fighting with you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can; and whoever of you turns back from his religion, then he dies while an unbeliever-- these it is whose works shall go for nothing in this world and the hereafter, and they are the inmates of the fire; therein they shall abide
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
They ask thee about the Sacred Month and fighting in it. Say: Fighting in it is deplorable and barring from the way of God and ingratitude to Him. And to bar from the Masjid al-Haram, and expelling people from it are more deplorable with God. And persecution is more deplorable than killing. And they cease not to fight you until they repel you from your way of life, if they are able. And whoever of you goes back on his way of life, then, dies while he is one who is ungrateful, those, their actions were fruitless in the present and in the world to come. And those will be the Companions of the Fire. They are ones who will dwell in it forever.
T.B.Irving   
They will ask you about fighting during the hallowed month. SAY: "Fighting in it is serious, while obstructing God´s way, disbelief in Him and the Hallowed Mosque, and turning His people out of it are even more serious with God. Even dissension is more serious than killing." They will never stop fighting you until they make you abandon your religion if they can manage to do so. Anyone of you who abandons his religion and dies while he is a disbeliever will find their actions will miscarry in this world and the Hereafter. Those [will become] inmates o the Fire; they will remain there.
Abdul Hye   
They ask you (Muhammad) about fighting in the sacred month (1st, 7th, 11th, and 12th months of Islamic calendar). Say: "Fighting in it is a great (offence). But preventing from the way of Allah, disbelieving in Allah, and expelling its inhabitants from the Sacred Masjid (at Makkah) are greater (offences) in the sight of Allah. Persecution is (more terrible) than killing. They (disbelievers) will not cease fighting you till they turn you back from your religion if they can. And whoever of you turns away from its religion and dies as a disbeliever, their (deeds are) rendered void in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will be the inmates of the fire. They will abide in it forever.
The Study Quran   
They ask thee about the sacred month—about fighting therein. Say, “Fighting therein is grave, but turning [others] from the way of God—and disbelieving in Him—and from the Sacred Mosque, and expelling its people, is graver in the sight of God. Strife is graver than slaying.” And they will not cease to fight you until they make you renounce your religion, if they are able. Whosoever among you renounces his religion and dies as a disbeliever, their deeds have come to naught in this world and the Hereafter, and they are the inhabitants of the Fire, abiding therein
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
They ask you about fighting during the Sacred Month. Say, “Fighting during it is a great sin. But to divert from the path of God, and disbelieve in Him, and prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and expel its inhabitants, is more serious with God. Persecution is more severe than killing.” They won’t cease fighting you until they make you renounce your faith, if they can. Whoever among you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, their deeds will come to nothing in this world and the Hereafter. These are the dwellers of the Fire, where they will remain forever.
Talal Itani (2012)   
They ask you about fighting during the Holy Month. Say, 'Fighting during it is deplorable; but to bar others from God's path, and to disbelieve in Him, and to prevent access to the Holy Mosque, and to expel its people from it, are more deplorable with God. And persecution is more serious than killing. They will not cease to fight you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can. Whoever among you turns back from his religion, and dies a disbeliever—those are they whose works will come to nothing, in this life, and in the Hereafter. Those are the inmates of the Fire, abiding in it forever
Dr. Kamal Omar   
They ask you concerning the Shahr-al-Haram, (regarding) Qital therein. Say: “Qital therein is a grave (offence); but to prevent from the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al-Masjid-al-Haram, and to drive out its people from it — (are) greater (sins) in the Sight of Allah. And tumult and oppression are worse than murder. And they will not cease mahead of state war with you until they turn you away from your Religion if they could. And whoever amongst you who leaves his Religion and dies while he is a disbeliever — then these are those whose deeds became of no use in the world as well as in the Hereafter, and they are the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein
M. Farook Malik   
They ask you about war in the Sacred Month. Tell them: "Fighting in this month is a heinous offence; but to prevent from the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access and expel His worshippers from the Sacred Mosque is a more severe crime, since mischief is worse than killing in His sight. As for unbelievers: they will not cease fighting until they succeed in turning you back from your religion if they can; and if any of you turns back from his religion and dies as an unbeliever, his deeds will become void in this life and in the hereafter. He will be the inmate of the hellfire, to live in there forever
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
They ask you concerning the Inviolable month, (and) fighting in it. Say, "Fighting in it is great (transgression); and barring from the way of Allah, and disbelief in Him and the Inviolable Mosque, and driving its population out of it, is greater (transgression) in the Reckoning of Allah; and temptation is greater than killing." And they will not cease fighting against you till they make you turn back from your religion, in case they are able to do so. And whoever of you turn back from his religion, and so dies and he is a disbeliever, then those are the ones whose deeds have been frustrated in the present (life) (Literally: the lowly "life", i.e., the life of this world) and the Hereafter; and those are the companions (i.e., inhabitants) of the Fire; they are therein eternally (abiding)
Muhammad Sarwar   
(Muhammad), they ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Tell them that it is a great sin. However, creating an obstacle in the way of God, disbelief in Him and the Sacred Mosque, and driving away the neighbors of the Sacred Mosque is an even greater sin in the sight of God: Disbelief in God is worse than committing murder. (The pagans) still try to fight you to make you give up your religion. The deeds in this life of those of you who give up their religion and who die disbelievers will be made void and in the life hereafter. These people will be the dwellers of Hell wherein they will remain forever
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
They ask you about the Sacred Month, that is, about fighting in it. Say, .Fighting in it is something grave, but it is much more grave, in the sight of Allah, to prevent (people) from the path of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, and in Al-Masjid-ul-Haram, and to expel its people from there, and Fitnah (to create disorder) is more grave than killing. They will go on fighting you until they turn you away from your faith if they could, while whoever of you turns away from his faith and dies an infidel, such people are those whose deeds will go to waste in this world and in the Hereafter, and they are people of the Fire. They shall be there foreve
Shabbir Ahmed   
During active warfare, mankind should agree upon one month of peacetime. This would serve as a cooling off period. They ask you about the Sacred Months and fighting therein. Say, "Fighting in the Sacred Months is a grave offense (2:194). However, repelling from the Path of Allah, rejecting His Command and the sanctity of the Sacred Masjid, and evicting its people, are greater offenses in the Sight of Allah. Persecution is a greater crime than killing." They will not cease from fighting against you till they revert you from your religion, if they can. Those among you who revert from their religion, and die as disbelievers, have nullified their works in this life and their rewards in the Hereafter. These are the companions of Fire; they will abide therein
Dr. Munir Munshey   
They ask you about warfare during the sacred month. Say, "Fighting during the sacred month is serious (offense). But according to Allah, far worse is preventing people from the path of Allah, rejecting Him and (blocking access to) the sacred House of worship, and the ousting of its occupants. Corruption (and oppression) is (far) more serious than bloodshed. They will not cease to engage you in combat, till they turn you away from your faith, if they (ever) can. Those who abandon the (true) faith and die as unbelievers, would lose (the worth of) all their (good) deeds in this world and the life-to-come. They are the inmates of the fire, and there, they shall abide forever
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
They ask you (O Prophet), concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (Muharam, Rajab, Zul-Quadah and Zul-Hajjah): Say: "Fighting in there is a serious (offense): But in the sight of Allah it is more serious to prevent access to the Path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and to drive out its Members." Persecution and injustice are worse than killing. And they will not stop fighting you until they turn you back from your faith, if they can. And if any of you turn away from their Faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and the Hereafter; They will be companions of Fire and will abide in there
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
They ask you about the sacred month - about fighting therein. Say, "Fighting therein is great [sin], but averting [people] from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and [preventing access to] al-Masjid al-iaram and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater [evil] in the sight of Allah . And fitnah is greater than killing." And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able. And whoever of you reverts from his religion [to disbelief] and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
They ask you about the restricted month: "Is there fighting in it" Say: "Much fighting is in it, and to repel from the path of God and to disbelieve in Him, and at the Restricted Temple, to drive its inhabitants out is far greater with God, and persecution is worse than being killed." And they still will fight you until they turn you back from your system if they are able. And whoever of you turns back from his system, and he dies while disbelieving, then these have nullified their work in this life and the next; these are the people of the Fire, in it they will abide eternally
Abdel Haleem   
They ask you [Prophet] about fighting in the prohibited month. Say, ‘Fighting in that month is a great offence, but to bar others from God’s path, to disbelieve in Him, prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and expel its people, are still greater offences in God’s eyes: persecution is worse than killing.’ They will not stop fighting you [believers] until they make you revoke your faith, if they can. If any of you revoke your faith and die as disbelievers, your deeds will come to nothing in this world and the Hereafter, and you will be inhabitants of the Fire, there to remain
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
They ask thee of the sacred month, of fighting therein. Say thou; fighting therein is grievous; and hindering people from the way of Allah and unbelief in Him and in the sanctity of the Sacred Mosque and driving out its dwellers therefrom are more grievous with Allah, and such temptation is far more grievous than that slaughter. And they will not cease fighting you so that they might make you apostatize from your religion, if they can. And whosoever of you apostatizeth from his faith and dieth an Infidel, then these it is whose works shall be of none effect in this world and the Hereafter, and they shall be the fellows of the Fire ; therein they shall be abiders
Ahmed Ali   
They ask you of war in the holy month. Tell them: "To fight in that month is a great sin. But a greater sin in the eyes of God is to hinder people from the way of God, and not to believe in Him, and to bar access to the Holy Mosque and turn people out of its precincts; and oppression is worse than killing. They will always seek war against you till they turn you away from your faith, if they can. But those of you who turn back on their faith and die disbelieving will have wasted their deeds in this world and the next. They are inmates of Hell, and shall there abide for ever
Aisha Bewley   
They will ask you about the Sacred Month and fighting in it. Say, ´Fighting in it is a serious matter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and rejecting Him and barring access to the Masjid al-Haram and expelling its people from it are far more serious in the sight of Allah. Fitna is worse than killing.´ They will not stop fighting you until they make you revert from your deen, if they are able. As for any of you who revert from their deen and die kafir, their actions will come to nothing in this world and the Next World. They are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, for ever.
Ali Ünal   
They ask you about the Sacred Month and fighting in it. Say: "Fighting in it is a grave sin; but barring people from the way of God, unbelief in Him, and denying entry into the Sacred Mosque, and expelling its inmates from it are far graver and more sinful in the sight of God; disorder (rooted in rebellion to God and recognizing no laws) is even far graver and more sinful than killing. And they will not cease fighting against you until they turn you from your religion, if they can. Whoever of you turns away from his religion and dies an unbeliever – those are they whose works have been wasted in both the world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein
Ali Quli Qara'i   
They ask you concerning warfare in the holy month. Say, ‘It is an outrageous thing to fight in it, but to keep [people] from Allah’s way, and to be unfaithful to Him, and [to keep people from] the Holy Mosque, and to expel its people from it are more outrageous with Allah. And faithlessness is graver than killing. And they will not cease fighting you until they turn you away from your religion, if they can. And whoever of you turns away from his religion and dies faithless —they are the ones whose works have failed in this world and the Hereafter. They shall be the inmates of the Fire, and they shall remain in it [forever]
Hamid S. Aziz   
They will ask you about warfare in the Sacred Month. Say, "Fighting therein is a great sin; but turning people away from Allah´s way, and disbelief in Him and in the Sacred Mosque, and to expel His people out there from, is a greater sin in th
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
They ask you about fighting in the prohibited month. Say: “Fighting in it is a great (sin), but preventing from God’s way and disbelieving Him and (preventing from) the Sacred Mosque and driving out its people from there are greater (sins) in God’s view.” Turmoil (and disorder) is worse than murder. They will not stop fighting you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can. And anyone of you who turns back from his religion and dies while he is a disbeliever, then their works become useless in this world and the Hereafter, and they are inhabitants of the fire remaining in it forever.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
They ask you concerning fighting in the prohibited month. Say, “Fighting therein is a grave offense, but worse in the sight of God is to prevent access to the path of God, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Masjid, and to drive out its members.” Oppression is worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life, and in the hereafter, they will be companions of the fire and will live therein forever
Musharraf Hussain   
They ask you about the sacred months, and specificallyfighting in them; say: “Fighting in them is a major sin, but blocking the way of Allah and rejecting Him, barringaccess to the Sacred Mosque and expelling its residents from it – these are even greater offencesin Allah’s sight. A prolonged campaign ofpersecution is a far greater sin than a decisive battle involvingkilling”. The disbelieverswill go on fighting until they achieve what they want: that you give up your religion. But beware. If any of you gives up his religion and dies as a disbeliever, such people’s deeds will come to nothing in this world and in the Hereafter. These are people of the Fire, where they will stay forever.
Maududi   
They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning warfare in the prohibited month. Say, "Fighting is a heinous offence in this month, but in the sight of Allah it is far worse to hinder people from the Way of Allah and to deny Him and to prevent His worshippers from visiting the Masjidal-Haram, and to expel the dwellers of the sacred place from it; and persecution is far worse than bloodshed. As for them, they will go on fighting with you till they succeed in turning you away from your Faith, if they can. But (note it well that) whosoever renounces his Faith and dies a renegade, all his works shall be fruitless both in this world and in the Hereafter. All such people deserve the Fire and shall abide in Hell for ever
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
They ask you about the restricted month: "Is there fighting in it?" Say: "Much fighting is in it, and to repel from the path of God and to disbelieve in it, and the Restricted Temple, to drive its inhabitants out from it is far greater with God, and persecution is worse than being killed." And they still will fight you until they turn you back from your system if they are able. And whoever of you turns back from his system, and he dies while disbelieving, then these have nullified their works in this world and the next; these are the people of the Fire, in it they will abide
Mohammad Shafi   
They ask you about fighting during the sacred/prohibited month. Say, "Fighting therein is a grave matter. And, to Allah, obstructing from Allah's Path and from the Sacred Place of Worship, suppressing the truth about Him and driving its residents out from the Sacred Place are matters that are more grave! And, such mischievous behaviour is a more serious matter than killing.h to They won't let up in their fighting with you till they, if they could, turn you away from your religion (way of life). And as for the one amongst you who turns back from his religion and dies whilst suppressing the truth, the deeds of such people are of no use to them — both here, and in the Hereafter. And those will be the inhabitants of the Fire. They shall be there forever."

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
They ask you the precept for fighting in the sacred month. Say you: 'Fighting therein is a great sin; but to prohibit from the way of Allah, and not to have faith in Him and to prevent from the sacred Mosque (Haram) and to oust its dwellers, are greater sins than it with Allah; and their mischief is more grievous than killing. And they will remain fighting against you always, until they turn you back from your faith, if they can. And whoso among you turns back from his faith, then dies as an infidel, then their works shall go in vain in the world and in the Hereafter, and they are the people of Hell and will abide in it.
Rashad Khalifa   
They ask you about the Sacred Months and fighting therein: say, "Fighting therein is a sacrilege. However, repelling from the path of GOD and disbelieving in Him and in the sanctity of the Sacred Masjid, and evicting its people, are greater sacrileges in the sight of GOD. Oppression is worse than murder." They will always fight you to revert you from your religion, if they can. Those among you who revert from their religion, and die as disbelievers, have nullified their works in this life and the Hereafter. These are the dwellers of Hell, wherein they abide forever.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
They ask you about the Sacred Month and fighting in it. Say: 'To fight in this month is a grave (offense); but to bar others from the Path of Allah, and disbelief in Him, and the Holy Mosque, and to expel its inhabitants from it is greater with Allah. Dissension is greater than killing. ' They will not cease to fight against you until they force you to renounce your religion, if they are able. But whosoever of you recants from his religion and dies an unbeliever, their works shall be annulled in this world and in the Everlasting Life, and those shall be the companions of Hell, and there they shall live for ever
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
They ask thee about fighting in the sacred month. Say: fighting it is a grave (offence). And hindering (men) from Allah's way and denying Him and the Sacred Mosque and turning its people out of it, are still graver with Allah; and persecution is graver with Allah; and persecution is graver than slaughter. And they will not cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can. And whoever of you turns back from his religion, then he dies while an unbeliever -- these it is whose works go for nothing in this world and the Hereafter. And they are the companions of the Fire: therein they will abide
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
They ask/question you about the month the forbidden/sacred, fighting/killing in it, say: "Fighting/killing in it (is) big/great and prevention/obstruction from God's road/way and disbelief with (in) Him, and the Mosque the Forbidden/Sacred, and bringing/forcing out its people from it (is) bigger/greater at God, and the treason (is) bigger/greater from (worse than) the fighting/killing, and they still/continue (to) fight/kill you until they return you from your religion, if they were able, and who returns (E) from you from his religion, so he dies and he is disbelieving, so those wasted/failed their doings/works in the present world and (in) the end (other life), and those are the owners/company (of) the fire, they are in it immortally/eternally
Bijan Moeinian   
People ask you about fighting in the Sacred Months [during which the Arabs were supposed to perform their religious rituals such as the pilgrimage to Mecca in peace.] Say: “Fighting during these months is a great sin. However, turning the believers from the path of God, disbelieving the Lord, not respecting the holiness of Masjid-Al-Haram (the oldest place of worshipping God) and driving people out from it are far greater sins. As a matter of fact persecution/ oppression is worse than murder. Rest assured that The disbelievers will not stop fighting you till you join them in disbelief and whoever chooses the disbelief and die as a disbeliever, has nullified all his good deeds and will end up living in Hellfire forever
Faridul Haque   
They ask you the decree regarding fighting in the sacred month; say (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him), “Fighting in it is a great sin; and to prevent from the way of Allah, and not to believe in Him and to prevent (people) from the Sacred Mosque and to expel its residents - these are greater sins before Allah"; and the turmoil they cause is worse than killing; and they will keep fighting you till they turn you away from your religion, if they can; and whoever among you turns renegade and dies as a disbeliever, then their deeds are wasted in this world and in the Hereafter; and they are the people of hell; they will remain in it forever
Sher Ali   
They ask thee about fighting in the Sacred Month. Say, `Fighting therein is a heinous thing, but to hinder men from the way of ALLAH, and to be ungrateful to HIM, and to hinder men from the Sacred Mosque, and to turn out its people therefrom, is more heinous in the sight of ALLAH; and persecution is worst than killing.' And they will not cease fighting you until they turn you back from your Faith, if they can. And whoso from among you turns back from his Faith and dies while he is a disbeliever, it is they whose works shall be vain in this world and in the next. These are the inmates of the Fire and therein shall they abide
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
They ask you about the command for fighting in the Sacred Month. Say: ‘Fighting in it is a grave sin, but hindering people from Allah’s path and denying Him and obstructing them from al-Masjid al-Haram (Ka‘ba) and turning its dwellers out of it is yet a graver sin (than that) in the sight of Allah.’ And this mischief-mongering is even worse than bloodshed. (These disbelievers) will continue fighting against you endlessly till they turn you back from your Din (Religion) if they become capable to gain (the required) might. And whoever of you turns away from his Din (Religion) and dies as a disbeliever, (all) deeds of such people will become void in this world and in the Hereafter. And it is they who are the inmates of Hell. They shall dwell in it forever
Amatul Rahman Omar   
They ask you with regard to fighting in the Sacred Month. Say, `Fighting in it is (a) grave (offence). But to bar (people) from Allah's cause and disbelief in Him and (to hinder people from) the Holy Mosque and to turn out its people therefrom is still grave in the sight of Allah, and persecution is all the more grave an offence than killing.' And they will not cease to fight you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And whoso from amongst you turns back from his faith, and dies while he is a disbeliever, it is they, then, whose deeds go in vain in this world and the Hereafter; and it is they who are the fellows of the Fire and therein they shall abide for long
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the Islamic calendar). Say, "Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) with Allah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Al-Fitnah is worse than killing. And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islamic Monotheism) if they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever."

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
They will question thee concerning the holy month, and fighting in it. Say: 'Fighting in it is a heinous thing, but to bar from God's way, and disbelief in Him, and the Holy Mosque, and to expel its people from it -- that is more heinous in God's sight; and persecution is more heinous than slaying.' They will not cease to fight with you, till they turn you from your religion, if they are able; and whosoever of you turns from his religion, and dies disbelieving -- their works have failed in this world and the next; those are the inhabitants of the Fire; therein they shall dwell forever
George Sale   
They will ask thee concerning the sacred month, whether they may war therein: Answer, to war therein is grievous; but to obstruct the way of God, and infidelity towards him, and to keep men from the holy temple, and to drive out his people from thence, is more grievous in the sight of God, and the temptation to idolatry is more grievous than to kill in the sacred months. They will not cease to war against you, until they turn you from your religion, if they be able: But whoever among you shall turn back from his religion, and die an infidel, their works shall be vain in this world, and the next; they shall be the companions of hell fire, they shall remain therein for ever
Edward Henry Palmer   
They will ask thee of the sacred month,- of fighting therein. Say, 'Fighting therein is a great sin; but turning folks off God's way, and misbelief in Him and in the Sacred Mosque, and turning His people out therefrom, is a greater in God's sight; and sedition is a greater sin than slaughter.' They will not cease from fighting you until they turn you from your religion if they can; but whosoever of you is turned from his religion and dies while still a misbeliever; these are those whose works are vain in this world and the next; they are the fellows of the Fire, and they shall dwell therein for aye
John Medows Rodwell   
They will ask thee concerning war in the Sacred Month. SAY: To war therein is bad, but to turn aside from the cause of God, and to have no faith in Him, and in the Sacred Temple, and to drive out its people, is worse in the sight of God; and civil strife is worse than bloodshed. They will not cease to war against you until they turn you from your religion, if they be able: but whoever of you shall turn from his religion and die an infidel, their works shall be fruitless in this world, and in the next: they shall be consigned to the fire; therein to abide for aye
N J Dawood (2014)   
They ask you about the sacred month and about fighting therein. Say: ‘To fight in this month is a grave offence; but to debar people from the path of God, to blaspheme against Him and against the Holy Mosque, and to expel its worshippers from it, is more grievous in God‘s sight. Idolatry¹ is more grievous than bloodshed.‘ They will not cease to fight you until they force you to renounce your religion ― if they are able. But whoever among you renounces his religion and dies an unbeliever, his works shall come to nothing in this world and in the world to come. Such shall be the tenants of the Fire, wherein shall they abide for ever

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
They ask you [O Muhammad] about the sacred month should there be any fighting in it? Say, “Fighting in it is a great offence but hindering from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and hindering from the sacred mosque and driving its people out of it are greater offences in the sight of Allah. And the sedition is greater [wrong] than the killing” and they will continue to fight against you until they turn you back from your religion if they could and whosoever among you turns back from his religion and dies while he is a disbeliever then those are the ones whose deeds have come to naught in this life and in the hereafter and those are the people of the fire. They will abide therein forever.
Munir Mezyed   
They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say: ‘Fighting therein is a great sin. But greater is it in sight of Allâh to prevent access to the path of Allâh, to reject Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque and drive out its members." For persecution is worse than killing’. They will continue to fight against you until they make you renounce your faith if they can. And whoever of you renounces his faith and dies faithless, it is they, then, whose deeds will become void in this worldly life and the Hereafter. And it is they who will be the Denizens of the Hell wherein they shall live forever.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
They ask you about fighting during the sacred months, say fighting during them is a big deal, but diverting from the way of Allah � or just to disbelieve in Him � and the sacred mosque, and expelling its people from it, is a bigger deal for Allah: Temptation is worse than killing, and they will not stop fighting you until they bring you back from your religion, if they can manage, and if any of you gives up his religion and dies a rejecter, their work in this world and the hereafter is wasted; they will be the inmates of the fire, where they will remain.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
They ask you about fighting in the holy month. Say, “Fighting that month is offensive, but it is worse to Allah to hinder [people] from the path of Allah. [It is worse] to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and to chase people from it. Oppression is worse than killing [the enemies]. They will not stop fighting you until they make you deny your faith, if they can. If any of you deny your faith and die in disbelief, they will have their [good] deeds void in this life and the next. They will be companions of the fire continuously.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
They ask yousg about the inviolable month—(about) combat during it. Say, “Combat during it is (a) grave (offense), yet barring bar (others) from the way of Allah and denying Him and (preventing access to) the Inviolable Mosque as well as evicting its people from it are graver to Allah, for religious persecution is (a) graver (offense) than killing. And they will keep combating youpl to turn you back from your religion, if they can. And whoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a denier—those are the ones whose deeds were nullified in the Earlier (Life) and the Hereafter, for those are the fellows of the Fire; therein they abide.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
They will ask you about fighting during the hallowed month. SAY: "Fighting in it is serious, while obstructing Allah (God)'s way, disbelief in Him and the Hallowed Mosque, and turning His people out of it are even more serious with Allah (God). Even dissension is more serious than killing." They will never stop fighting you until they make you abandon your religion if they can manage to do so. Anyone of you who abandons his religion and dies while he is a disbeliever will find their actions will miscarry in this world and the Hereafter. Those [will become] inmates o the Fire; they will remain there.
Samy Mahdy   
They ask you about the sacred Month, is fighting during it? Say, “Fighting during it is big; and hindering others about Allah’s pathway, and disbelieving in Him, and the sacred Mosque, and exiting its inhabitants out from it, are bigger with Allah. And the infatuation is bigger than the killing. And they will still fight you until they turn you back about your religion, if they could. And whoever among you turns back about his religion, so he died, and he was infidel, so for those their works were inhibited, in The Dunya, and in the Hereafter. And those are The Fire 's Companions, they are therein immortals.
Ahmed Hulusi   
They ask you about fighting in the sacred month (the month in which fighting is prohibited). Say, “Fighting in that month is a grave matter! But preventing (people) from the path of Allah, denying one’s essence and being ungrateful to the al-Masjid al-Haram by preventing people from entering therein and expelling them, is far graver in the sight of Allah! Fitnah (provocation) is worse than killing.” If they could, they would fight you until you renounce your faith. And whoever among you turns away from his religious understanding and dies as a denier of the truth, all his good deeds will become worthless, both in this world and the eternal life to come. Those are the inhabitants of fire (suffering) and will forever abide therein.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
They ask you (O' Muhammad) concerning the sacred month about fighting in it. Say: 'Fighting in it is a grave (sin) ; but to bar (people) from Allah's way, and to deny Him (to prevent access) to the Sacred Mosque, and to drive its people therefrom is, a graver (crime) with Allah. Sedition is more gravous than slaughter. They will not cease fighting against you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can. But whoever of you turns back from his religion, and dies disbelieving ? such are they whose deeds shall be of no avail in this world and Hereafter; those are the inhabitants of the Fire, wherein they shall dwell forever
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
They call upon you, O Muhammad, for information and a reply relative to the question of fighting during the Sacred Month. Say to them: "Fighting during the Sacred Month is a grave offence and obstruction to Allah’s spirit of truth guiding people into all truth and an emphatic denial of the Sacred Mosque and the month's sanctity. And expulsion of Allah’s devotees from whence is a major offence to Allah and persecution for creed or opinion is worse than murder. The idolaters will continue to fight you until they succeed in forcing you to renounce your religion if they can. And he who turns renegade among you and dies captivated in disbelief and such persons shall be inherent losers; their hope shall be disappointed and their deeds shall be worthless here and Hereafter; it is these who shall be claimed by Hell and therein shall they remain forever"
Mir Aneesuddin   
They ask you about fighting during the sacred month, say, "Fighting in it is a great (sin) but turning away (people) from the way of Allah and infidelity to Him, and (stopping people from) the Sacred Mosque and expelling its people from it are greater (sins) with Allah. And persecution is a greater (sin) than slaughter." And they will not cease fighting with you till they turn you back from your religion if they can, and whosoever from among you turns back from his religion, then dies while he is an infidel, then those are the persons whose deeds shall be fruitless in this world and the hereafter, and those are the inhabitants of the fire, they will stay therein.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say: "Fighting therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight of God to prevent access to the path of God, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive ou t its members." Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you Turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in t his life and in the Hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire and will abide therein
OLD Literal Word for Word   
They ask you about the month [the] sacred - (concerning) fighting in it. Say, "Fighting therein (is) a great (sin); but hindering (people) from (the) way (of) Allah, and disbelief in Him and (preventing access to) Al- Al-Haraam, and driving out its people from it, (is) greater (sin) near Allah. And [the] oppression (is) greater than [the] killing." And not they will cease (to) fight with you until they turn you away from your religion, if they are able. And whoever turns away among you from his religion, then dies while he (is) a disbeliever for those became worthless their deeds in the world and the Hereafter. And those (are) companions (of) the Fire, they in it (will) abide forever
OLD Transliteration   
Yas-aloonaka AAani alshshahri alharami qitalin feehi qul qitalun feehi kabeerun wasaddun AAan sabeeli Allahi wakufrun bihi waalmasjidi alharami wa-ikhraju ahlihi minhu akbaru AAinda Allahi waalfitnatu akbaru mina alqatli wala yazaloona yuqatiloonakum hatta yaruddookum AAan deenikum ini istataAAoo waman yartadid minkum AAan deenihi fayamut wahuwa kafirun faola-ika habitat aAAmaluhum fee alddunya waal-akhirati waola-ika as-habu alnnari hum feeha khalidoona