THE FIFTH PERIOD

Thirty-one Sūrahs. From the tenth year of Muḥammad’s ministry to the flight from Makkah. The Sūrahs of this period contain some narratives from the gospel. The rites of pilgrimage are enjoined. The cavillings of the Quraish are refuted; and we have vivid picturings of the Resurrection and Judgment, of Heaven and Hell, with proofs of God’s unity, power and providence. From stage to stage the Sūrahs become, on the average, longer, and some of them now fill many pages. In the latter Sūrahs of this period, we meet not unfrequently with Madīnah pa ages, which have been interpolated as bearing on some connected subject. As examples may be taken, verse 40 of Sūrah xxii ., in which permi ion is given to bear arms against the Makkans; verse 33, Sūrah xvii ., containing rules for the administration of justice; verse 111, Sūrah xvi ., referring to such believers as had fled their country and fought for the faith; being all pa ages which could have been promulgated only after the Flight to al-Madīnah. Chapter XLVI . Sūratu ʾl-Aḥqāf . The Chapter of al-Aḥqāf. God the only God and Creator. The unbelievers call Muḥammad a sorcerer or a forger. The book of Moses was revealed before, and the Qurʾān is a confirmation of it in Arabic. Conception, birth, and life of man. Kindne to parents and acceptance of Islām enjoined. The misbelievers are warned by the example of ʿĀd, who dwell in Aḥqāf, and by that of the cities whose ruins lie around Makkah. Allusion to the jinns who listened to Muḥammad’s preaching at Makkah on his return from at̤-T̤āʾif. Warning to unbelievers of the punishment of the Last Day. Chapter LXXII . Sūratu ʾl-Jinn . The Chapter of the Jinn. A crowd of jinns listen to Muḥammad’s teaching at Nak͟hlah. Their account of themselves. Muḥammad exhorted to persevere in preaching. Chapter XXXV . Sūratu ʾl-Malāʾikah . The Chapter of the Angels. Praise of God, who makes the Angels his me engers. God’s unity. Apostles before Muḥammad were accused of imposture. Punishment in store for the unbelievers. Muḥammad is not to be vexed on their account. God sends rain to quicken the dead earth. This is a sign of the Resurrection. The power of God shown in all nature. The helple ne of the idols. They will disclaim their worshippers at the Resurrection. No soul shall bear the burden of another. Muḥammad cannot compel people to believe. He is only a warner. Other nations have accused their prophets of imposture and perished. Reward of the God-fearing of believers, and of those who read and follow the Qurʾān. Punishment of hell for the infidels. The idolaters shall be confounded on the Judgment Day. The Quraish, in spite of their promises and of the examples around them, are more arrogant and unbelieving than other people. If God were to punish men as they deserve, he would not leave so much as a beast on the earth; but He respites them for a time. Chapter XXXVI . Sūratu Yā Sīn . The Chapter of Yā Sīn . Muḥammad is God’s me enger, and the Qurʾān is a revelation from God to warn a heedle people. The infidels are predestined not to believe. All men’s work shall be recorded. The apostles of Jesus rejected at Antioch. Ḥabību ʾn-Najjār exhorts the people to follow their advice. He is stoned to death by the populace. Gabriel cries out and the sinful people are destroyed. Men will laugh at the apostles who come to them, but they have an example in the nations who have perished before them. The quickening of the dead earth is a sign of the Resurrection. God’s power shown in the procreation of species. The alternation of night and day, the phases of the moon, the sun and moon in their orbits, are signs of God’s power. So, too, the preservation of men in ships at sea. Almsgiving enjoined. The unbelievers jeer at the command. The sudden coming of the Judgment Day. Ble ed state of the believers in Paradise, and misery of the unbelievers in hell. Muḥammad is no mere poet. The Qurʾān an admonition. God’s providence. The false gods will not be able to help their worshippers. Proofs of the Resurrection. Chapter XIX . Sūratu Maryam . The Chapter of Mary. Zachariah prays for an heir. He is promised a son, who is to be called John. Is struck dumb for three days as a sign. John is born and given the Book, Judgment, grace, and purity. Story of Mary. The annunciation. Her delivery beneath a palm-tree. The infant Jesus in the cradle testifies to her innocence and to his own mi ion. Warning of the Day of Judgment. Story of Abraham. He reproves his father, who threatens to stone him. Abraham prays for him. Isaac and Jacob are born to him. Moses communes with God and has Aaron for a help. Ishmael and Idrīs mentioned as Prophets. Their seed, when the signs of the Merciful are read, fall down adoring. The Makkans, their succe ors, are promised reward in Paradise, if they repent and believe. The angels only descend at the bidding of the Lord. Certainty of the Resurrection. Punishment of those who have rebelled against the Merciful. Reproof of one who said he should have wealth and children on the Judgment Day. The false gods shall deny their worshippers then. The devils sent to tempt unbelievers. The gathering of the Judgment Day. All nature is convulsed at the imputation that the Merciful has begotten a son. This revelation is only to warn mankind by the example of the generations who have pa ed away. Chapter XVIII . Sūratu ʾl-Kahf . The Chapter of the Cave. The Qurʾān is a warning especially to those who say God has begotten a son. Muḥammad is not to grieve if they refuse to believe. Story of the Fellows of the Cave. Their number known only to God. Muḥammad rebuked for promising a revelation on the subject. He is enjoined to obey God in all things, and not to be induced to give up his poorer followers. Hell-fire threatened for the unbelievers and Paradise promised to the good. Parable of the proud man’s garden which was destroyed, while that of the humble man flourished. This life is like the herb that springs up and perishes. Good works are more lasting than wealth and children. The Last Day. The devil refuses to adore Adam. The men are not to take him for a patron . They shall be forsaken by their patrons at the Last Day. Men would believe, but that the example of those of yore must be repeated. Misbelievers are unjust, and shall not be allowed to understand, or be guided. But God is merciful. Story of Moses and his servant in search of al-K͟hiẓr. They lose their fish at the confluence of the two seas. They meet a strange prophet, who bids Moses not question anything he may do. He scuttles a ship, kills a boy, and builds up a tottering wall. Moses desires an explanation, which the stranger gives, and leaves him. Story of Ẕū ʾl-Qarnain. He travels to the ocean of the setting sun. Builds a rampart to keep in Gog and Magog. These are to be let loose again before the Judgment Day. Reward and punishment on that day. Were the sea ink, it would not suffice for the words of the Lord. The Prophet is only a mortal. Chapter XXVII . Sūratu ʾn-Naml . The Chapter of the Ant. The Qurʾān a guidance to believers. God appears to Moses in the fire. Moses is sent to Pharaoh with signs, but is called a sorcerer. David and Solomon endowed with knowledge. Solomon taught the speech of birds. His army of men, jinns, and birds, marches through the valley of the ant. One ant bids the rest retire to their holes lest Solomon and his hosts crush them. Solomon smiles and answers her. He reviews the birds and mi es the hoopoe, who, returning, brings news of the magnificence of the Queen of Sheba. Solomon sends him back with a letter to the Queen. A demon brings him her throne. She comes to Solomon, recognises her throne; marvels at the palace with the gla floor, which she mistakes for water. Becomes a Muslim. S̤amūd rejects Ṣāliḥ and perish. Lot is saved, while the people of Sodom are destroyed. The Lord, the God of nature; the only God and Creator. Certainty of the Resurrection. The ruins of ancient cities an example . The Qurʾān decides disputed points for the Jews. Muḥammad bidden to trust in God, for he cannot make the deaf to hear his me age. The beast that shall appear at the Resurrection. Terrors of the Last Day. The Prophet bidden to worship the Lord of this land, to recite the Qurʾān, and to become a Muslim. Chapter XLII . Sūratu ʾsh-Shūrā . The Chapter of Counsel. The Qurʾān inspired by God to warn the Mother of cities of the judgment to come. God is one, the Creator of all things, who provides for all. He calls men to the same religion as that of the prophets of old, which men have broken up into sects. Muḥammad has only to proclaim his me age. Those who argue about God shall be confuted. None knows when the hour shall come but God. The idolaters shall only have their portion in this life. God will vindicate the truth of His revelation. His creation and providence signs of His power. Men’s misfortunes by land and sea are due to their own sins. The provision of the next world is best for the righteous. It is not sinful to retaliate if wronged, though forgivene is a duty. The sinners shall have none to help them on the Day of Judgement. They are exhorted to repent before it comes. Ingratitude of man. God controls all. No mortal has ever seen God face to face. He speaks to men only through inspiration of His apostles. This Qurʾān was revealed by a spirit to guide into the right way. Chapter XL . Sūratu ʾl-Muʾmin . The Chapter of the Believer. Attributes of God. Muḥammad encouraged by the fate of other nations who rejected their apostles. The angels’ prayer for the believers. Despair in hell of the idolaters. The terrors of the Judgment Day. God alone the Omniscient Judge. The vestiges of former nations are still visible in the land to warn the people. The story of Moses and Pharaoh. The latter wishes to kill Moses, but a secret believer makes a long appeal. Pharaoh bids Hāmān construct a tower to mount up to the God of Moses. God saves the believer, and Pharaoh is ruined by his own devices. Mutual recrimination of the damned. Exhortation to patience and praise. Those who wrangle about God rebuked. The certain coming of the Hour. The unity of God a erted and His attributes enumerated. Idolatry forbidden. The conception, birth, life, and death of man. Idolaters shall find out their error in hell. Muḥammad encouraged to wait for the i ue. Cattle to ride on and to eat are signs of God’s providence. The example of the nations who perished of old for rejecting the apostles. Chapter XXXVIII . Sūratu ʾṣ-Ṣād . The Chapter of Ṣād. Oath by the Qurʾān. Example of former generations who perished for unbelief, and for saying that their prophets were sorcerers and the Scriptures forgeries. The Makkans are warned thereby. Any hosts of the confederates shall be routed. Fate of the people of Noah, ʿĀd, Pharaoh, S̤amūd, and Lot. The Makkans must expect the same. Muḥammad exhorted to be patient of what they say. He is reminded of the powers bestowed on David. The parable of the ewe lambs proposed to David by the two antagonists. David exhorted not to follow lust. The heaven and earth were not created in vain, as the misbelievers think. The Qurʾān a reminder. Solomon, lost in admiration of his horses, neglects his devotions, but, repenting, slays them. A jinn in Solomon’s likene is set on his throne to punish him. He repents and prays God for a kingdom such as no one should ever po e again. The wind and the devils made subject to him. The patience of Job. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Elisha and Ẕū ʾl-Kifl. Happine of the righteous in Paradise. Misery and mutual recrimination of the wicked in hell. Muḥammad only sent to warn people and proclaim God’s unity. The creation of man and disobedience of Iblīs, who is expelled. He is respited till the Judgment Day, that he may seduce people to misbelief. But he and those who follow him shall fill hell. Chapter XXV . Sūratu ʾl-Furqān . The Chapter of the Discrimination. The Discrimination sent down as a warning that God is one, the Creator and Governor of all; yet the Makkans call it old folks’ tales. They object that the Prophet acts and lives as a mere mortal or is crazy. Hell-fire shall be the punishment of those who disbelieve in the Resurrection. Description of the Judgment Day. The Quraish object that the Qurʾān was revealed piecemeal. Moses and Aaron and Noah were treated like Muḥammad, but those who called them liars were punished. ʿĀd and S̤amūd perished for the same sin. The ruins of the cities of the plain are existing examples. Yet they will not accept the Prophet. God controls the shadow, gives night for a repose, quickens the dead earth with rain. He lets loose the two seas, but places a barrier between them. He has created man. He is the loving and merciful God. The Quraish object to the Merciful as a new God. The lowly and moderate are His servants. They abstain from idolatry, murder, false witne , and frivolous discourse. These shall be rewarded. God cares nothing for the rejection of his me age by the infidels. Their punishment shall be lasting. Chapter XX . Sūratu T̤ā Hā . The Chapter of T̤ā Hā. The Qurʾān a reminder from the Merciful, who owns all things and knows all things. There is no god but He. His are the excellent names. Story of Moses. He perceives the fire and is addre ed from it by God in the holy valley T̤uvan. God shows him the miracle of the staff turned to a snake and of the white hand. Sends him to Pharaoh. Moses excuses himself because of the impediment in his speech. Aaron is given him as a minister. Moses’ mother throws him into the sea. His sister watches him. He is restored to his mother. Slays an Egyptian and flees to Midian. Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and call on him to believe. Pharaoh charges them with being magicians. Their contest with the Egyptian magicians, who believe, and are threatened with punishment by Pharaoh. Moses leads the children of Israel acro the sea, by a dry road. Pharaoh and his people are overwhelmed. The covenant on Mount Sinai. The miracle of the manna and quails. As-Sāmirī makes the calf in Moses absence. Moses seizes his brother angrily by the beard and destroys the calf. Misbelievers threatened with the terrors of the Resurrection Day. Fate of the mountains on that day. All men shall be summoned to judgment. No interce ion shall avail except from such as the Merciful permits. The Qurʾān is in Arabic that people may fear and remember. Muḥammad is not to hasten on its revelation. Adam broke his covenant with God . Angels bidden to adore Adam. Iblīs refuses. Tempts Adam. Adam, Eve, and the Devil expelled from Paradise. Misbelievers shall be gathered together blind on the Resurrection Day. The Makkans pa by the ruined dwellings of the generations who have been aforetime destroyed for unbelief. But for the Lord’s word being pa ed, they would have perished too. Muḥammad is exhorted to bear their insults patiently and to praise God through the day. Prayer enjoined. The fate of those of yore a sufficient sign. Let them wait and see the i ue. Chapter XLIII . Sūratu ʾz-Zuk͟hruf . The Chapter of Gilding. The original of the Qurʾān is with God . The example of the nations of old who mocked at the prophets. God the Creator. Men are bidden to praise Him who provides man with ships and cattle whereon to ride. The Arabs are rebuked for attributing female offspring to God, when they themselves repine when a female child is born to any one of them. They are also blamed for a erting that the angels are female. The excuse that this was the religion of their fathers, will not avail . It is the same as older nations made. Their fate. Abraham disclaimed idolatry. The Makkans were permitted to enjoy prosperity only until the Apostle came, and now that he has come they reject him. They are reproved for saying that had the Prophet been a man of consideration at Makkah and at̤-T̤āʾif, they would have owned him. Misbelievers would have had still more wealth and enjoyment, but that men would have then all become infidels. Those who turn from the admonition shall be chained to devils, who shall mislead them. God will take vengeance on them, whether Muḥammad live to see it or not. He is encouraged to persevere. Moses was mocked by Pharaoh, whom he was sent to warn. But Pharaoh and his people were drowned. Answer to the Arabs, who objected that Jesus, too, must come under the ban against false gods. But Jesus did not a ume to be a god. Threat of the coming of the Hour. The joys of Paradise and the terrors of Hell. The damned shall beg Mālik to make an end of them. The recording angels note down the secret plots of the infidels. God has no son. He is the Lord of all. Chapter XII . Sūratu Yūsuf . The Chapter of Joseph. The Qurʾān revealed in Arabic that the Makkans may understand. It contains the best of stories. Story of Joseph. He tells his father his dream. Jacob advises him to keep it to himself. Jealousy of Joseph’s brethren. They conspire to throw him in a pit. Induce his father to let him go with them. They cast him in the pit, and bring home his shirt covered with lying blood. Travellers discover him and sell him into Egypt. He is adopted by his master. His mistre endeavours to seduce him. His innocence proved. His mistre shows him to the women of the city to excuse her conduct. Their amazement at his beauty. He is imprisoned. Interprets the dreams of the baker and the cupbearer. Pharaoh’s dream. Joseph is sent for to expound it. He is appointed to a situation of trust in the land. His brethren arrive and do not recognise him. They ask for corn and he requires them to bring their youngest brother as the condition of his giving it to them. The goods they had brought to barter are returned to their sacks. Benjamin is sent back. Joseph discovers himself to him. Joseph places the king’s drinking-cup in his brother’s pack. Accuses them all of the theft. Takes Benjamin as a bondsman for the theft. They return to Jacob, who, in great grief, sends them back again, to bring him news. Joseph discovers himself to them and sends back his shirt. Jacob recognises it by the smell. Jacob goes back with them to Egypt. This story appealed to as a proof of the truth of the Revelation. Chapter XI . Sūratu Hūd . The Chapter of Hūd. The Qurʾān a book calling men to believe in the unity of God. Nothing is hidden from Him. He is the Creator of all. Men will not believe, and deem themselves secure, because their punishment is deferred. They demand a sign, or say the Qurʾān is invented by the Prophet; but they and their false gods together cannot bring ten such Sūrahs. Misbelievers threatened with future punishment, while believers are promised Paradise. Noah was likewise sent, but his people objected that he was a mere mortal like themselves, and only followed by the meaner sort of men. He also is accused of having invented his revelation. He is saved in the ark and the unbelievers drowned. He endeavours to save his son. The ark settles on Mount al-Jūdī. Hūd was sent to ʿĀd. His people plotted against him and were destroyed, while he was saved. Ṣālih was sent to S̤amūd. The she-camel given for a sign. The people hamstring her and perish. Abraham entertains the angels who are sent to the people of Lot. He pleads for them. Lot offers his daughters to the people of Sodom, to spare the angels. He escapes by night, and Sodom is destroyed. Shuʿaib is sent to Midian, and his people, rejecting his mi ion, perish too. Moses sent to Pharaoh, who shall be punished at the Resurrection. The Makkans, too, shall be punished. They are threatened with the Judgment Day, when they shall be sent to hell, while the believers are in Paradise. The Makkans are bidden to take warning by the fate of the cities whose stories are related above. These stories are intended to strengthen the Prophet’s heart. He is bidden to wait and leave the i ue to God. Chapter X . Sūratu Yūnus . The Chapter of Jonah. No wonder that the Qurʾān was revealed to a mere man. Misbelievers deem him a sorcerer. God the Creator and Ruler. No one can intercede with Him except by His permi ion. Creation is a sign of His power. Reward hereafter for the believers. Man calls on God in distre , but forgets Him when deliverance comes. Warning from the fall of former generations. The infidels are not satisfied with the Qurʾān. Muḥammad dare not invent a false revelation. False gods can neither harm nor profit them. People require a sign. God saves people in dangers by land and sea. This life is like gra . Promise of Paradise and threat of Hell. Fate of the idolaters and false gods at the Last Day. God the Lord of all. Other religions are mere conjecture. The Qurʾān could only have been devised by God. The Makkans are challenged to produce a single Sūrah like it. Unbelievers warned of the Last Day by the fate of previous nations. Reproval of those who prohibit lawful things. God is ever watchful over the Prophet’s actions. Happine of the believers. The infidels cannot harm the Prophet. Refutation of those who ascribe offspring to God. Muḥammad encouraged by the story of Noah and the other prophets of old. Fate of Pharaoh and vindication of Moses and Aaron. The people of the Book (Jews and Christians) appealed to in confirmation of the truth of the Qurʾān. The story of Jonah. The people of Nineveh saved by repenting and believing in time. The people are exhorted to embrace Islām, the faith of the Ḥanīf. God alone is powerful. Belief or unbelief affect only the individual himself. Resignation and patience inculcated. Chapter XIV . Sūratu Ibrāhīm . The Chapter of Abraham. The Qurʾān revealed to bring men from darkne into light. God is Lord of all. No apostle sent except with the language of his own people. Moses sent to Pharaoh. The people of Noah. ʿĀd and S̤amūd objected that their prophets were mortals like themselves. The prophets relied on God, who vindicated them. Frightful description of hell. Misbelievers are like ashes blown away by the stormy wind. Helple ne of the damned. But believers are in Paradise. A good word is like a good tree whose root is in the earth and whose branches are in the sky, and which gives fruit in all seasons. A bad word is as a tree that is felled. God’s word is sure. Idolaters are threatened with hell-fire. God is the Creator of all. He subjects all things to man’s use. Abraham prayed that the territory of Makkah might be a sanctuary. The unjust are only respited till the Judgment Day. The ruins of the dwellings of those who have perished for the denying the mi ion of their apostles, are a proof of the truth of Muḥammad’s mi ion. The Lord will take vengeance on the Last Day, when sinners shall burn in hell with shirts of pitch to cover them. The Qurʾān is a warning and an admonition. Chapter VI . Sūratu ʾl-Anʿām . The Chapter of Cattle. Light and darkne are both created by God. Rebuke to idolaters. They are exhorted to take warning by the fate of those of old who rejected the prophets. Had the revelation been a material book, they would have disbelieved it. If the Prophet had been an angel, he would have come in the guise of a man. Attributes of God. Muḥammad bidden to become a Muslim. Those who have the Scriptures ought to recognise Muḥammad as the one foretold in them. The idolaters will be disappointed of the interce ion of their gods on the Judgment Day. They deny the Resurrection Day now, but hereafter they will have awful proof of its truth. The next world is preferable to this. Prophets aforetime were also mocked at, and they were patient. God could send them a sign if He pleased. Beasts, birds, and the like, are communities like men. Their fate is all written in the book. They, too, shall be gathered on the Judgment Day. Arguments in proof of the supreme power of God. Muḥammad is only a me enger. He is to disclaim miraculous power. Is not to repulse believers. He is bidden to abjure idolatry and not follow the lusts of the Makkans. God’s omniscience. He takes men’s souls to Himself during sleep. Sends guardian angels to watch over them. Preserves men in danger by land and sea. Muḥammad is not to join in discu ions on religion with idolaters, nor to a ociate with those who make a sport of it. Folly of idolatry set forth. God the Creator. Abraham’s perplexity in seeking after the true God. Worships succe ively the stars, the moon, and the sun, but is convinced that they are not gods by seeing them set. Turns to God and becomes a Ḥanīf. Other prophets of old were inspired. The Qurʾān is also a special revelation from God to the Makkans, fulfilling their Scriptures, but the Jews have perverted or suppre ed parts of them. Denunciation of one who falsely pretended to be inspired. The Creation a proof of God’s unity. Rebuke to those who call the jinn His partners, or attribute offspring to Him. Idolaters are not to be abused, lest they, too, speak ill of God. The Makkans would not have believed even if a sign had been given them. Muḥammad is to trust to God alone. Men are not to abstain from food over which God’s name has been pronounced. God will vindicate His me enger. Belief or the reverse depends on God’s grace. The jinns and false gods, together with their worshippers, will be condemned to everlasting torment. God never punishes without first sending an apostle with warning. The threatened doom cannot be averted. Denunciation of the idolatrous practices of the Arabs. Setting apart portions of the produce of the land for God and for the idols, and defrauding God of His portion. Infanticide. Declaring cattle and tilth inviolable. God created all fruits and all cattle, both are therefore lawful. Argument proving the absurdity of some of these customs. Enumeration of the only kinds of food that are unlawful. The prohibition to the Jews of certain food was only on account of their sins. God’s revealed word is the only certain argument. Declaration of things really forbidden, namely, harshne to parents, infanticide, abominable sins, and murder. The property of orphans is to be respected and fair-dealing to be practised. No soul compelled beyond its capacity. The Qurʾān to be accepted on the same authority as the Book of Moses was. Faith required now without signs. No latter profe ion on the Judgment Day shall profit them. Good works to be rewarded tenfold, but evil works only by the same amount. Islām is the religion of Abraham the Ḥanīf. A belief in one God, to whom all prayer and devotion is due. Each soul shall bear its own burden. The high rank of some of the Makkans is only a trial from the Lord whereby to prove them. Chapter LXIV . Sūratu ʾt-Tag͟hābun . The Chapter of Mutual Deceit. God the Creator. The Resurrection. The Unity of God. Wealth and children must not distract men from the service of God. Chapter XXVIII . Sūratu ʾl-Qaṣaṣ . The Chapter of the Story. The history of Moses and Pharaoh. The latter and his vizier. Hāmān oppre es the children of Israel. Moses is exposed on the river by his mother. He is adopted by Pharaoh. His sister watches him, and his mother is engaged to nurse him. He grows up and slays the Egyptian. Flees to Midian. Helps the two Midi a nites to draw water. Serves their father Shohaib for ten years and then marries his daughter. God appears to him in the fire. Is sent with his brother Aaron to Pharaoh. Hāmān builds Pharaoh a high tower to ascend to the God of Moses. His punishment. Moses gives the Law. These stories are proofs of Muḥammad’s mi ion. The Arabs reject the Book of Moses and the Qurʾān as two impostures. Those who have the Scriptures recognise the truth of the Qurʾān. The Makkans warned by the example of the cities of old that have perished. Disappointment of the idolaters at the Day of Judgment. Helple ne of the idols before God. Qārūn’s great wealth. The earth opens and swallows him up for his pride and his insolence to Moses. Muḥammad encouraged in his faith and purpose. Chapter XXIII . Sūratu ʾl-Muʾminīn . The Chapter of Believers. The humble, chaste, and honest, shall prosper. The creation, birth, death, and resurrection of man. God’s goodne in providing for men’s sustenance. Noah sent to his people, who reject him because he is a mere mortal. They are drowned, and he is saved in the ark. Moses and Aaron were also called liars. Mary and her son the cause of their followers’ division into sects. The God-fearing encouraged. The Quraish rebuked for their pride, and for denying Muḥammad, and calling him po e ed. They are reminded of the famine and defeat they have already experienced. Doctrine of the Resurrection. The unity of God. He has no offspring. Is omniscient. Muḥammad is encouraged not to care for the false accusations of the Makkans, but to seek refuge in God. Punishment, on the Day of Resurrection, of those who mocked at the little party of believers. Chapter XXII . Sūratu ʾl-Ḥajj . The Chapter of the Pilgrimage. Terrors of the Last Day, yet men dispute about God and follow devils. The conception, birth, growth, and death of men, and the growth of herbs in the ground are proofs of the Resurrection. But some dispute, others waver between two opinions. The most desperate means cannot thwart the divine decrees. God will decide between the Jews, Christians, Sabians, Magians, and idolaters on the Judgment Day. All nature adores God. The misbelievers are threatened with hell-fire, and the believers promised Paradise. Punishment threatened to those who prohibit men from visiting the Sacred Mosque. Abraham, when bidden to cleanse the Kaʿbah, was told to proclaim the pilgrimage. The rules of the Ḥajj enjoined. Cattle are lawful food. Warning against idolatry and exhortation to become Ḥanīfs. Sacrifices at the Kaʿbah are enjoined. All men have their appointed rites. The name of God is to be mentioned over cattle when slaughtered. Camels may be sacrificed and eaten. God will defend believers, but loves not misbelieving traitors. Those who have been driven from their homes for acknowledging God’s unity are allowed to fight. If men did not fight for such a cause, all places of worship would be destroyed. The people of Noah, ʿĀd, S̤amūd, Abraham, and Lot, called their prophets liars, and were allowed to range at large, but at last they were punished. Their cities were destroyed, and the ruins are visible to travellers still. Muḥammad is only sent to warn the Makkans of a like fate. Satan contrives to suggest a wrong reading to the Prophet while reading the Qurʾān. The Kingdom shall be God’s upon the Judgment Day. Those who flee or are slain in the cause, shall be provided for and rewarded. Believers who take revenge and are again attacked, will be helped. All nature is subject to God. Every nation has its rites to observe. The idolaters treat the revelation with scorn. The false gods could not even create a fly. Exhortation to worship God and fight for the faith of Abraham, whose religion the Muslims profe . God is the Sovereign and Helper. Chapter XXI . Sūratu ʾl-Ambiyāʾ . The Chapter of the Prophets. Men mock at the revelation. They say it is a jumble of dreams, and that Muḥammad is a poet, and they ask for a sign. The prophets of old were but mortal. The people who rejected them perished. Heaven and earth were not created in sport. Truth shall crush falsehood. All things praise God. If there were other gods than He, heaven and earth would be corrupted. All former prophets were taught there is no god but God. The Merciful has not begotten children. The angels are only His servants. The separation of earth from heaven, the creation of living things from water, the steadying of the earth by mountains, and placing the sky as a roof over it, and the creation of the night and day, and of the sun and moon, are signs. No one was ever granted immortality. Every soul must taste of death. The unbelievers mock at Muḥammad and disbelieve in the Merciful. Man is hasty. The infidels are threatened with punishment in the next world. Those who mocked at the prophets of old perished. No one shall be wronged on the Last Day. Moses and Aaron received a scripture. Abraham destroys the images which his people worshipped. He tells them that it was the largest idol which did it. He is condemned to be burnt alive, but the fire is miraculously made cool and safe. Abraham, Lot, Isaac, and Jacob, all inspired. Lot was brought safely out of a city of wrong-doers. Noah also was saved. David and Solomon give judgment about a field. The mountains and birds are made subject to David. He is taught the art of making coats of mail. The wind and the demons are subjected to Solomon. Job was saved. Ishmail, Idrīs, and Ẕū ʾl-Kifl were patient, and entered into the mercy of the Lord. Ẕū ʾn-Nūn (Jonah) was saved in the fish’s belly. Zachariah had his prayer granted and a son (John) given him. The spirit was breathed into the Virgin Mary. But their followers have divided into sects. A city once destroyed for unbelief shall not be restored till Gog and Magog are let loose. The promise draws nigh. Idolaters shall be the pebbles of hell. But the elect shall be rolled up as as-Sijill rolls up a book. As is written in the Psalms, “The righteous shall inherit the earth.” Muḥammad sent as a mercy to the worlds. God is one God. He knows all. He is the Merciful. Chapter XVII . Sūratu Banī Isrāʾīl . The Chapter of the Children of Israel. Allusion to the night journey from the Sacred Mosque (at Makkah) to the Remote Mosque (at Jerusalem). Moses received the book. Noah was a faithful servant. Israel’s two sins and their punishment. The Qurʾān a guide and a good tidings. Man prays for evil and is hasty. Night and day are two signs. Every man’s augury is round his neck. Each one shall have a book on the Resurrection Day with an account of his deeds. Each is to bear the burden of his own sins. No city is destroyed till warned by an apostle. Choice of good in this world or the next. Muḥammad is not to a ociate others with God. Kindne to parents enjoined. Moderation to be practised. Infanticide and fornication are sins. Homicide is not to be avenged except for just cause. Honesty and humility inculcated. The angels are not the daughters of God. If there were other gods, they would rebel against God. All in the heavens praise Him. Unbelievers cannot understand the Qurʾān. The unity of God unacceptable to the Makkans. The Resurrection. Idolaters not to be provoked. Some prophets preferred over others. False gods themselves have recourse to God. All cities to be destroyed before the Judgment Day. Had Muḥammad been sent with signs, the Makkans would have disbelieved them like S̤amūd. The vision (of the Night Journey) and the Zaqqūm tree of hell, are causes of contention. Iblīs’ disobedience and fall. He is given permi ion to delude men. Safety by land and sea a special mercy from God. All shall have justice at the Last Day. The S̤aqīf tribe at at̤-T̤āʾif nearly seduced Muḥammad into promulgating an unauthorised sentence. Injunction to pray. Man is ungrateful. Departure of the spirit. Mankind and jinns together could not produce the like of the Qurʾān. Signs demanded of Muḥammad. He is only a mortal. Fate of those who disbelieve in the Resurrection. Moses brought nine signs, but Pharaoh disbelieved in them. His fate. The children of Israel succeeded him in his po e ions. The Qurʾān was revealed as occasion required. Those who believe the scripture recognise it. God and the Merciful One are not two gods, for God has no partner. Chapter XVI . Sūratu ʾn-Naḥl . The Chapter of the Bee. God’s decree will come to pa . He sends the angels to instruct his servants to give warning that there is no other God. The creation and ordering of all natural objects are signs of His power. The false gods are inanimate and powerle . God is but one. The unbelievers who call the revelation old folks’ tales, must bear the burden of their own sins. On the Resurrection Day, their a ociates will disown them. Reception by the angels of the wicked and the good in Hell and in Paradise. The infidels strenuously deny the Resurrection. The Muhājirūn are promised a good reward. The Jews and Christians to be asked to confirm the Qurʾān. All nature adores God. Unity of God affirmed. When in distre , men turn to God, but forget Him and become idolaters when deliverance comes. The practice of setting aside part of their produce for the idols reproved. The practice of female infanticide, while they ascribe daughters to God, is reproved, and disbelief in the future life also rebuked. Satan is the patron of the infidels. The Qurʾān sent down as a guidance and mercy. The rain which quickens the dead earth, and the cattle which give milk, and the vines which give fruit and wine are signs. The bee is inspired from the Lord to build hives and to use those made first by men. Its honey is lawful. The rich Arabs are reproved for their treatment of their slaves. Helple ne of the false gods illustrated by the parable of the slave and of the dumb man. Goodne of God in providing food and shelter for men. Idolaters shall be disowned by the false gods at the Resurrection. Every nation shall have a witne against it on that day. Justice and good faith inculcated, especially the duty of keeping to a treaty once made. Satan has no power over believers. Verses of the Qurʾān abrogated. The Holy Spirit (Gabriel) is the instrument of the revelation. Suggestion that Muḥammad is helped by some mortal to compose the Qurʾān. This cannot be, as the person hinted at speaks a foreign language and the Qurʾān is in Arabic. Denunciation of misbelievers. Warning of the fate Makkah is to expect if its inhabitants continue to disbelieve. Unlawful foods. God will forgive wrong done through ignorance. Abraham was Ḥanīf. The ordinance of the Sabbath. Muḥammad is to dispute with his opponents kindly. The believers are not to take too savage revenge. They are exhorted to patience and trust in God. Chapter XIII . Sūratu ʾr-Raʿd . The Chapter of Thunder. The Qurʾān a revelation from the Lord, the Creator and Governor of all. Misbelievers are threatened. God knows all, and the recording angels are ever present. Lightning and thunder celebrate God’s praises. All in heaven and earth acknowledge Him. God sends rain and causes the torrents to flow. The scum thereof is like the dro on smelted ore. The righteous and the believers are promised Paradise, and the misbelievers are threatened with hell-fire. Exhortation to believe in the Merciful. Were the Qurʾān to convulse nature, they would not believe. Further threats against misbelievers. God notes the deeds of every soul. Stratagem unavailing against Him. Paradise and Hell. Muḥammad bidden to persevere in a erting the unity of God. Had he not followed the Qurʾān, God would have forsaken him. Other apostles have had wives and children. None could bring a sign without God’s permi ion. For every period there is a revelation. God can annul or confirm any part of His revelation which He pleases. He has the Mother of the Book ( i.e . the Eternal Original). Whether Muḥammad live to see his predictions fulfilled or not, God only knows. His duty is only to preach the me age. The conquests of Islām pointed to. God will support the prophets against misbelievers. Chapter XXIX . Sūratu ʾl-ʿAnkabūt . The Chapter of the Spider. Believers must be proved. Kindne to be shown to parents; but they are not to be obeyed if they endeavour to lead their children to idolatry. The hypocrites stand by the Muslims only in succe . The unbelievers try to seduce the believers by offering to bear their sins. Noah delivered from the deluge. Abraham preaches against idolatry. Is cast into the fire, but saved. Flees from his native land. Isaac and Jacob born to him. Lot and the fate of the inhabitants of Sodom. Midian and their prophet Shuʿaib. ʿĀd and S̤amūd. Fate of Qārūn, Pharaoh, and Hāmān. Similitude of the spider. Muḥammad bidden to rehearse the Qurʾān. Prayer enjoined. Those who have scriptures are to be mildly dealt with in disputation. They believe in the Qurʾān. Muḥammad unable to read. Signs are only in the power of God. The idolaters reproved, and threatened with punishment. The believers promised reward. God provides for all. This world is but a sport. God saves men in dangers by sea, yet they are ungrateful. The territory of Makkah inviolable. Exhortation to strive for the faith . Chapter VII . Sūratu ʾl-Aʿrāf . The Chapter of al-Aʿrāf. Muḥammad is bidden to accept the Qurʾān fearle ly. The Makkans must take warning by the fate of those who rejected the prophets of old. The creation and fall of Adam. Iblīs allowed to tempt mankind. Men are to go to mosque decently clad. God has only prohibited sinful actions. Men are warned not to reject the mi ion of the apostles. Their punishment at and after death if they do so. The happine of believers in Paradise. Description of al-Aʿrāf, the partition between heaven and hell. Immediate belief in the Qurʾān required. God the Creator. Humble and secret prayer enjoined. Proofs of God’s goodne . Noah sent to warn his people. He is saved in the ark while they are drowned. Hūd sent to ʿĀd. They reject his preaching and are punished. Ṣāliḥ sent to S̤amūd. Produces the she-camel as a sign. The people hamstring her and are punished. Lot sent to the people of Sodom. Their punishment. Shuʿaib sent to Midian. His people reject him and are destroyed. Thus city after city was destroyed for rejecting the apostles. Moses sent to Pharaoh. The miracles of the snake and the white hand. The magicians contend with Moses, are overcome and believe. Pharaoh punishes them. The slaughter of the first-born. The plagues of Egypt. The Israeli tes are delivered. Moses communes with God, who appears to him on the mount. The giving of the Law. The golden calf. Moses’ wrath against Aaron. The seventy elders. The coming of Muḥammad, the illiterate Prophet, foretold. Some Jews are just and rightly guided. The division into twelve tribes. The miracle of smiting the rock. The manna and quails. The command to enter the city, saying, “Ḥit̤t̤atun,” and punishment for disobedience. The Sabbath-breaking city. The transformation of the wicked inhabitants into apes. The dispersion of the Jews. The mountain held over the Jews. The covenant of God with the posterity of Adam. Am I not your Lord? Humiliation of one who, having foretold the coming of a prophet in the time of Muḥammad, would not acknowledge the latter as such. Many, both of the jinn and of mankind, predestined to hell. The names of God are not to be perverted. Muḥammad is not po e ed. The coming of the Hour. Creation of Adam and Eve. Conception and birth of their first child, ʿAbdu ʾl-Hāris̤. Their idolatry. Idols are themselves servants of God. They have neither life nor senses. Muḥammad is bidden to treat his opponents with mildne . The mention of God’s name repels devilish influences. Men are recommended to listen to the Qurʾān and to humble themselves before God, whom the angels adore. Chapter CXIII . Sūratu ʾl-Falaq . The Chapter of the Daybreak. The Prophet seeks refuge in God from evil influences. Chapter CXIV . Sūratu ʾn-Nās . The Chapter of Men. The Prophet seeks refuge in God from the devil and his evil suggestions. A Dictionary of Islam: Being a Cyclopædia of the Doctrines, Rites, Ceremonies, and Customs, Together with the Technical and Theological Terms, of the Muhammadan Religion