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show friendship unto them; verily I well know that which ye conceal and that which ye discover: and whoever of you doth this, hath already erred from the straight path. If they get the better of you, they will be enemies unto you, and they will stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you with evil and they earnestly desire that ye should become unbelievers. Neither your kindred nor your children will avail you at all on the day of resurrection, which will separate you from one another: and GOD seeth that which ye do. Ye have an excellent pattern in Abraham, nd those who were with him, when they said unto their people, Verily we are clear of you, and of the idols which ye worship, besides GOD: we have renounced you; and enmity and hatred is begun between us and you for ever, until ye believe in God alone: except Abraham's saying unto his father, Verily I will beg pardon for thee: but I cannot obtain aught of GOD in thy behalf. O LORD, in thee do we trust, and unto thee are we turned; and before thee shall we be assembled hereafter. O LORD, suffer us not to be put to trial by the unbelievers: and forgive us, O Lord; for thou art mighty and wise. Verily ye have in them an excellent example, unto him who hopeth in GoD and the last day: and whoso turneth back; verily GoD is self-sufficient, and praiseworthy. Peradventure GOD will establish friendship between yourselves and such of them as ye now hold for enemies: for GOD is powerful; and GoD is inclined to forgive, and merciful. As to those who have not borne arms against you on account of religion, nor turned you out of your dwellings, God forbiddeth you not to deal kindly with them, and to behave justly towards them : for GOD loveth those who act justly. But as to those who have borne arms against you on account of religion, and have dispossessed you of your habitations, and have assisted in dispossessing you, God forbiddeth you to enter into friendship with them: and whosoever of you entereth into friendship with them, those are unjust doers. O true believers, when believing women come unto you as refugees, try them:† GoD well knoweth their faith. And if ye know them to be true believers, send them not back to

If ye fight against them in defence of my law, and to merit my rewards, will ye retain friendship for them."-Savary.

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• The verb here used has also a contrary signification, according to which the word may be rendered, and yet openly show friendship unto them.

4 For in this, Abraham's example is not to be followed. See chap. 9.

i. e. Suffer them not to prevail against us, lest they thence conclude themselves to be in the right, and endeavour to make us deny our faith by the terror of persecution.'

f And this happened accordingly on the taking of Mecca; when Abu Sofian and others of the Koreish, who had till then been inveterate enemies to the Moslems, embraced the same faith, and became their friends and brethren. Some suppose the marriage of Mohammed with Omm Habîba, the daughter of Abu Sofiân, which was celebrated the year before, to be here intended.'

This passage, it is said, was revealed on account of Koteila bint Abd'al Uzza, who naving, while she was an idolatress, brought some presents to her daughter, Asma bint Abi Beer, the latter not only refused to accept them, but even denied her admittance.

† (When such women sought an asylum at Medina, Mohammed obliged them to swear that they were prompted only by the desire of embracing Islamism, and that hatred of their husbands, or love of some Mussulman, had not had any influence on their conduct.) -Savary.

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the infidels they are not lawful for the unbelievers to have in marriage; neither are the unbelievers lawful for them. But give their unbelieving husbands what they shall have expended for their dowers." Nor shall it be any crime in you if ye marry them, provided ye give them their dowries. And retain not the patronage of the unbelieving women: but demand back that which ye have expended for the dowry of such of your wives as go over to the unbelievers; and let them demand back that which they have expended for the dowry of those who come over to you. This is the judgment of God, which he establisheth among you: and GoD is knowing and wise. If any of your wives escape from you to the unbelievers, and ye have your turn by the coming over of any of the unbelievers' wives to you; give unto those believers whose wives shall have gone away, out of the dowries of the latter, so much as they shall have expended for the dowers of the former: and fear GOD, in whom ye believe. O prophet, when believing women come unto thee, and plight their faith unto thee,' that they will not associate anything with God, nor steal, nor commit fornication, nor kill their children," nor come with a calumny which they have forged between their hands and their feet," nor be disobedient to thee in that which shall be reasonable: then do thou plight thy faith unto them, and ask pardon for them of God; for God is inclined to forgive, and merciful. O true believers, enter not into friendship with a people against whom God is incensed; they despair of the life to come," as the infidels despair of the resurrection of those who dwell in the graves.

For according to the terms of the pacification of al Hodeibiya, each side was to return whatever came into their power belonging to the other; wherefore when the Moslems were, by this passage, forbidden to restore the married women who should come over to them, they were at the same time commanded to make some sort of satisfaction, by returning their dowry.

It is related, that after the aforesaid pacification, while Mohammed was yet at al Hodei. biya, Sobela bint al Hareth, of the tribe of Aslam, having embraced Mohammedism, her husband, Mosâfer the Makhzumite, came and demanded her back; upon which this passage was revealed: and Mohammed, pursuant thereto, administered to her the oath thereafter directed, and returned her husband her dower; and then Omar married her.

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For what is returned to their former husbands is not to be considered as their dower. j Literally, any thing of your wives; which some interpret, any part of their dowry. Or, as the original verb may be translated, and ye take spoils in which case the meaning will be, that those Moslems, whose wives shall have gone over to the infidels, shall have a satisfaction for their dower out of the next booty. This law, they say, was given, because the idolaters, after the preceding verse had been revealed. refused to comply therewith, or to make any return of the dower of those women who went over to them from the Moslems; so that the latter were obliged to indemnify themselves as they could.

See the Prelim. Disc. sect. ii. p. 34. Some are of opinion that this passage was not revealed till the day of the taking of Mecca; when, after having received the solemu submission of the men, he proceeded to receive that of the women."

See chap. 81.

Jallalo'ddin understands these words of their laying their spurious children to their husbands.

• i. e. The infidels in general; or the Jews in particular.'

be

By reason of their infidelity; or because they well know they cannot expect made partakers of the happiness of the next life, by reason of their rejecting of the pro phet foretold in the law, and whose mission is confirmed by miracles."

p. 1.

See chap. 48, p. 417, &c. • Al Beidâwi. • Idem. • Idem.
Al Beidâwi.

* See chap. 1

CHAPTER LXI.

INTITLED, BATTLE ARRAY; REVEALED AT MECCA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

WHATEVER is in heaven and in earth celebrateth the praise of GOD; fo. he is mighty and wise. O true believers, why do ye say that which ye de not? It is most odious in the sight of GOD, that ye say that which ye do not. Verily GoD loveth those who fight for his religion in battle array, as though they were a well compacted building. Remember when Moses said unto his people, O my people, why do ye injure me; since ye know that I am the apostle of GOD sent unto you? And when they had deviated from the truth, God made their hearts to deviate from the right way; for GOD directeth not wicked people. And when Jesus the Son of Mary said, O children of Israel, verily I am the apostle of God sent unto you, confirming the law which was delivered before me, and bringing good tidings of ar apostle who shall come after me, and whose name shall be Ahmed. And when he produced unto them evident miracles, they said, This is manifest sorcery. But who is more unjust than he who forgeth a lie against GOD, when he is invited unto Islam? And God directeth not the unjust people. They seek to extinguish God's light with their mouths: but God will perfect his light, though the infidels be averse thereto. It is he who hath sent his apostle with the direction, and the religion of truth, that he may exalt the same above every religion, although the idolaters be averse thereto. O true believers, shall I show you a merchandize which will deliver you from a painful torment hereafter? Believe in God and his apostle; and defend God's true religion with your substance, and in your own persons. This will be better for you, if ye knew it. He will forgive you your sins, and will introduce you into gardens through which rivers flow, and agreeable habitations in gardens of perpetual abode. This will be great felicity. And ye shall obtain other things which ye desire, namely, assistance from GOD, and a speedy victory. And do thou bear good tidings to the true believers. O

Or, as some rather judge, at Medina; which opinion is confirmed by the explication in the next note.

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The commentators generally suppose these words to be directed to the Moslems, who, notwithstanding they had solemnly engaged to spend their lives and fortunes in defence of their faith, yet shamefully turned their backs at the battle of Ohod. They may how. rver be applied to hypocrites of all sorts, whose actions contradict their words.

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"O believers! why do you yet not fulfil the promise made unto God ?”—Savary.

viz. By your disobedience; or by maliciously aspersing me?'

For Mohammed also bore the name of Ahmed; both names being derived from the same root, and nearly of the same signification. The Persian paraphrast, to support what s here alleged, quotes the following words of Christ, I go to my Father, and the Paraclete shall come the Mohammedan doctors unanimously teaching, that by the Paraclete (or, as they choose to read it, the Periclyte, or Illustrious), their prophet is intended, and no other.

3

He is an impostor."-Savary.

"O believers, shall I teach unto you a means of averting the rigour of torments.' · Savary.

See chap. 3, pp. 36, 50, &c.
See the Prelim. Disc. sect. iv. p. 53.

'See chap. 33, p. 350.

• See John xvi. 7, &c.

true believers, be ye the assistants of GOD; as Jesus the son of Mary said to the apostles, Who will be my assistants with respect to GOD?" The apostles answered, We will be the assistants of GOD. So a part of the children of Israel believed, and a part believed not:* but we strengthened those who believed, above their enemy; wherefore they became victorious over them.

CHAPTER LXII.

INTITLED, THE ASSEMBLY; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

WHATEVER is in heaven and earth praiseth GOD; the King, the Holy. the Mighty, the Wise. It is he who hath raised up amidst the illiterate Arabians an apostle from among themselves, to rehearse his signs unto them, and to purify them, and to teach them the scriptures and wisdom; whereas before they were certainly in a manifest error;* and others of them have not yet attained unto them, by embracing the faith, though they also shall be converted in God's good time; for he is mighty and wise. This is the free grace of GoD: he bestoweth the same on whom he pleaseth: and GOD is endued with great beneficence. The likeness of those who were charged with the observance of the law, and then observed it not, is as the likeness of an ass laden with books. How wretched is the likeness of the people who charge the signs of GOD with falsehood!† and GoD directeth not the unjust people. Say, O ye who follow the Jewish religion, if ye say that ye are the friends of GoD above other men, wish for death, if ye speak truth. But they will never wish for it, because of that which their hands have sent before them: and GoD well knoweth the unjust. Say, Verily death, from which ye fly, will surely meet you: then shall ye be brought before him who knoweth as well what is concealed as what is discovered; and he will declare unto you that which ye have done. O true believers, when ye are called to prayer on the day of the assembly, hasten to the

See chap. 3, p. 42.

c

a

Either by rejecting him, or by affirming him to be God, and the son of God.'
See the Prelim. Disc. sect. ii. p. 30.

"Before his time, the Arabs were involved in the profoundest darkness."-Savary Because they understand not the prophecies contained in the law, which bear witness to Mohammed, no more than the ass does the books which he carries.

"Woe unto those who abjure the holy religion."-Savary.

1. c. Make it your request to GOD, that he would translate you from this troublesome world to a state of never-fading bliss.

See chap. 2. p. 12.

That is, Friday, which being more peculiarly set apart by Mohammed for the public worship of God, is therefore called Yawn al joma, i. e. the day of the assembly or congregation; whereas it was before called al Eruba. The first time this day was particularly observed, as some say, was on the prophet's arrival at Medina, into which city he made bis first entry on a Friday; but others tell us that Caab Ebn Lowa, one of Mohammed's

• Jallalo'ddin.

commemoration of GoD and leave merchandizing. This will be better for you, if you knew it. And when prayer is ended, then disperse yourselves through the land as ye list, and seek gain of the liberality of GoD: and remember GOD frequently, that ye may prosper. But when they see any merchandizing, or sport, they flock thereto, and leave thee standing up in the pulpit. Say, The reward which is with God is better than any sport

or merchandize: and GOD is the best provider.

CHAPTER LXIII.

INTITLED, THE HYPOCRITES; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

WHEN the hypocrites come unto thee, they say, We bear witness that thou art indeed the apostle of GOD. And God knoweth that thou ar indeed his apostle: but God beareth witness that the hypocrites are certainly liars. They have taken their oaths for a protection, and they turn others aside from the way of GOD: it is surely evil which they do. This is testified of them, because they believed, and afterwards became unbelievers: wherefore a seal is set on their hearts, and they shall not understand. When thou beholdest them, their persons please theef and if they speak, thou hearest their discourse with delight. They resemble pieces of timber set up against a wall. They imagine every shout to be against them. They are enemies wherefore beware of them. GOD curse them: how are they turned aside from the truth!† And when it is said unto them, Come, that

ancestors, gave the day its present name, because on that day the people used to be assembled before him. One reason given for the observation of Friday, preferably to any other day of the week, is because on that day GoD finished the creation.

By returning to your commerce and worldly occupations, if ye think fit: for the Mohammedans do not hold themselves obliged to observe the day of their public assembly with the same strictness as the Christians and Jews do their respective Sabbath; or particularly to abstain from work, after they have performed their devotions. Some, however, from a tradition of their prophet, are of opinion that works of charity, and religious exercises, which may draw down the blessing of GoD, are recommended in this passage.

It is related that one Friday, while Mohammed was preaching, a caravan of merchants happened to arrive with their drums beating, according to custom; which the congregation hearing, they all ran out of the mosque to see them, except twelve only.'

* "Say, the treasures which God offers unto you are more precious than any momen. tary advantages. God is the most magnificent of dispensers."-Savary.

The commentators tell that Abdallah Ebn Obba, a chief hypocrite, was a tall man of a very graceful presence, and of a ready and eloquent tongue; and used to frequent the prophet's assembly, attended by several like himself: and that these men were greatly admired by Mohammed, who was taken with their handsome appearance, and listened to their discourse with pleasure."

Being tall and big, but void of knowledge and consideration.

Living under continual apprehensions; because they are conscious of their hypocrisy towards GOD, and their insincerity towards the Moslems.

"They have beauty for their portion. They speak with elegance. Their stature is straight and majestic; but they shudder at the slightest sound. They are your enemies:

• Al Beidâwi.

⚫ Al Beidâwi.

• Vide Gol. Alfrag. p. 15. ⚫ Idem.

'Al Beidâwi, Jallalo'ddin.

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