shall be sent to a 'nost grievous punishment; for God is not regardless of that which ye do. These are they who have purchased this present life, at the price of that which is to come; wherefore their punishment shall not be mitigated, neither shall they be helped. We formerly delivered the book of the law unto Moses, and caused apostles to succeed him, and gave evident miracles to Jesus the son of Mary, and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Do ye therefore, whenever an apostle cometh unto you with that which your souls desire not, proudly reject him, and accuse some of imposture, and slay others? The Jews say, Our hearts are uncircumcised: but God hath cursed them with their infidelity; therefore few shall believe. And when a book came unto them from God, confirming the scriptures which were with them, although they had before prayed for assistance against those who believed not, yet when that came unto them which they knew to be from God, they would not believe therein: therefore the curse of God shall be on the infidels. For a vile price have they sold their souls, that they should not believe in that which God hath sent down;TM out of envy, because God sendeth down his favours to such of his servants as he pleaseth: therefore they brought on themselves indignation on indignation; and the unbelievers shall suffer an ignominious punishment. When one saith unto them, Believe in that which God hath sent down; they answer, We believe in that which hath been sent down unto us:" and they reject what hath been revealed since, although it be the truth, confirming that which is with them. Say, Why therefore have ye slain the prophets of GoD in times past, if ye be true believers? Moses formerly came unto you with evident signs, but ye afterwards took the calf for your god and did wickedly. And when we accepted your covenant, and lifted the mountain of Sino over you,' saying, Receive the law which we have given you, with a resolution to perform it, and hear; they said, We have heard, and have rebelled : and they were made to drink down the calf into their hearts for their unbelief. Say, A grievous thing hath your faith commanded you, if ye be wrue believers? Say, if the future mansion with God be prepared pecu

We must not imagine Mohammed here means the Holy Ghost, in the Christian acceptation. The commentators say, this spirit was the angel Gabriel, who sanctified Jesus, and constantly attended on him."

*

God hath cursed them because of their perfidy. O how small is the number of the true believers!"-Savary.

The Jews, in expectation of the coming of Mohammed (according to the tradition of his followers) used this prayer, O God, help us against the unbelievers, by the prophet who is to be sent in the last times.

The Korân.

The Pentateuch.

See before p. 9.

1 Moses took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strewed it upon the water (of the brook that descended from the mount), and made the children of Israel drink of it.'

Mohammed here infers from their forefathers' disobedience in worshipping the calf, at the same time that they pretended to believe in the law of Moses, that the faith of the Jews in his time was as vain and hypocritical, since they rejected him, who was foretold therein, as an impostor."

8 Jallalo'ddin. Yahya, al Beidawi.

• Idem.

Exod. xxxii. 20; Deut. ix. 21.

• Jallaio ddın

liarly for you, exclusive of the rest of mankind, wish for death, if ye say truth; but they will never wish for it, because of that which their hands have sent before them; GOD knoweth the wicked-doers; and thou shalt surely find them of all men the most covetous of life, even more than the idolaters: one of them would desire his life to be prolonged a thousand years, but none shall reprieve himself from punishment, that his life may be prolonged: GoD seeth that which they do. Say, Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel (for he hath caused the Koran to descend on thy heart, by the permission of GOD, confirming that which was before revealed, a direction, and good tidings to the faithful); whosoever is an enemy to GOD, or his angels, or his apostles, or to Gabriel, or Michael, verily GoD is an enemy to the unbelievers. And now we have sent down unto thee evident signs, and none will disbelieve them but the evil-doers. Whenever they make a covenant, will some of them reject it? yea, the greater part of them do not believe. And when there came unto them an apostle from GOD, confirming that scripture which was with them, some of those to whom the scriptures were given cast the book of God behind their backs, as if they knew it not: and they followed the device which the devils devised against the kingdom of Solomon; and Solomon was not an unbeliever; but the devils believed not, they taught men sorcery, and that which was sent down to the two angels at Babel,* Harût and Marût: yet those two taught no man until

That is, by reason of the wicked forgeries which they have been guilty of in respect to the scriptures. An expression, much like that of St. Paul where he says, that some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment.3

The commentators say, that the Jews asked, what angel it was that brought the divine revelations to Mohammed; and being told that it was Gabriel, they replied that he was their enemy, and the messenger of wrath and punishment; but if it had been Michael, they would have believed in him, because that angel was their friend, and the messenger of peace and plenty. And on this occasion, they say, this passage was revealed."

That Michael was really the protector or guardian angel of the Jews, we know from scripture; and it seems that Gabriel was, as the Persians call him, the angel of revelations, being frequently sent on messages of that kind; for which reason, it is probable, Mohamined pretended he was the angel from whom he received the Koran.

'i. e. The revelations of this book.

The devils having, by God's permission, tempted Solomon without success, they sade use of a trick to blast his character. For they wrote several books of magic, and hid them under, that prince's throne, and after his death told the chief men that if they wanted to know by what means Solomon had obtained his absolute power over men, genii, and the winds, they should dig under his throne; which having done, they found the aforesaid books, which contained impious superstitions. The better sort refused to learn the evil arts therein delivered, but the common people did; and the priests published this scandalous story of Solomon, which obtained credit among the Jews, till God, say the Mohammedans, cleared that king by the mouth of their prophet, declaring that Solomon was no idolater."

He (the devil) taught unto men magic and the science of the two angels, Harût and Marût, who are condemned to remain at Babylon.”—Savary.

་

Some say only that these were two magicians or angels sent by God to teach men magic, and to tempt them. But others tell a longer fable; that the angels expressing their surprise at the wickedness of the sons of Adam, after prophets had been sent to them with divine commissions, God bid them choose two out of their own number to be sent down to be judges on earth. Whereupon they pitched upon Harût and Marût, who executed their office with integrity for some time, till Zohara, or the planet Venus, descended and appeared before them in the shape of a beautiful woman bringing a complaint 1 Tim. v. 24. Jallalo'ddin. al Zamakh. Yahya. ⚫ Dan. xii. 1. ch. viii, 16. and ix. 21.; Luke i. 19, 26. See Hyde de Rel. Vet. Persar. p. 263. Jallalo'ddin. • Jallalo'ddin.

• Ibid.

Yahya

they had said, Verily we are a temptation, therefore be not an unbeliever. So men learned from those two a charm by which they might cause division between a man and his wife;* but they hurt none thereby, unless by God's permission, and they learned that which would hurt them, and not profit them; and yet they knew that he who bought that art should have no part in the life to come, and woful is the price for which they have sold their souls, if they knew it. But if they had believed, and feared God, verily the reward they would have had from God would have been better, if they had known it. O true believers, say not to our apostle, Raïna; but say Ondhorna; and hearken: the infidels shall suffer a grievous punishment. It is not the desire of the unbelievers, either among those unto whom the scriptures have been given, or among the idolaters, that any good should be sent down unto you from your LORD: but GOD will appropriate his mercy anto whom he pleaseth; for God is exceeding beneficent. Whatever verse we shall abrogate, or cause thee to forget, we will bring a better than it, or one like unto it. Dost thou not know that God is almighty? Dost thou not know that unto God belongeth the kingdom of heaven and earth? neither have ye any protector or helper except GOD. Will ye require of your apostle according to that which was formerly required of Moses? but he that hath exchanged faith for infidelity, hath already erred from the straight way. Many of those unto whom the scriptures have been given, desire to render you again unbelievers, after ye have believed; out of envy from their souls, even after the truth is become manifest unto them; but forgive them, and avoid them, till GoD shall send his command; for God is omnipotent. Be constant in prayer, and give alms; and what good ye have sent before for your souls, ye shall find it with GOD; surely GoD seeth that which ye do. They say, Verily none shall enter paradise, except they who are Jews or Christians: this is their wish. Say, Produce your proof of

against her husband, (though others say she was a real woman.) As soon as they saw her, they fell in love with her, and endeavoured to prevail on her to satisfy their desires; but she flew up again to heaven, whither the two angels also returned, but were not admitted. However on the intercession of a certain pious man, they were allowed to choose whether they would be punished in this life, or in the other; whereupon they chose the former, and now suffer punishment accordingly in Babel, where they are to remain till the day of judgment. They add that if a man has a fancy to learn magic, he may go to them, and hear their voice, but cannot see them."

This story Mohammed took directly from the Persian Magi, who mention two rebellious angels of the same names, now hung up by the feet with their heads downwards, in the territory of Babel. And the Jews have something like this, of the angel Shamhozai who having debauched himself with women, repented, and by way of penance, hung himself up between heaven and earth."

* "They taught the difference between man and woman."-Savary.

Those two Arabic words have both the same signification, viz. Look on us; and are a kind of salutation. Mohammed had a great aversion to the first, because the Jews fre. quently used it in derision, it being a word of reproach in their tongue. They alluded, it seems, to the Hebrew verb pruá, which signifies to be bad or mischievous.

Namely, to see God manifestly."

This passage was revealed on occasion of a dispute which Mohammed had with the Jews of Medina, and the Christians of Najrân, each of them asserting that those of their religion only should be saved.

Yahya, &c. 1 Vide Hyde, ubi sup. cap. 12. 'Jallalo'ddin. See before p. 9. Jallalo'ddin.

'Bereshit rabbah, i Genes. vì 2.

this, if ye speak truth. Nay, but he who resigneth himself to God, ane doth that which is right, he shall have his reward with his LORD: there shall come no fear on them, neither shall they be grieved. The Jews say, The Christians are grounded on nothing; and the Christians say, The Jews are grounded on nothing; yet they both read the scriptures. So likewise say they who know not the scripture, according to their saying. But God shall judge between them on the day of the resurrection, concerning that about which they now disagree. Who is more unjust than he who prohibiteth he temples of GOD, that his name should be remembered therein, and who hasteth to destroy them? Those men cannot enter therein, but with fear: they shall have shame in this world, and in the next a grievous punishment. To God belongeth the east and the west; therefore whithersoever ye turn yourselves to pray, there is the face of God; for GoD is omnipresent and omniscient. They say, God hath begotten children: GoD forbid! To him belongeth whatever is in heaven, and on earth; all is possessed by him, the Creator of heaven and earth; and when he decreeth a thing, he only saith unto it, Be, and it is. And they who know not the scriptures say, Unless God speak unto us, or thou show us a sign, we will not believe. So said those before them, according to their saying: their hearts resemble each other. We have already shown manifest signs unto people who firmly believe; we have sent thee in truth, a bearer of good tidings and a preacher; and thou shalt not be questioned concerning the companions of hell. But the Jews will not be pleased with thee, neither the Christians, until thou follow their religion; say, The direction of GoD is the true direction. And verily if thou follow their desires, after the knowledge which hath been given thee, thou shalt find no patron or protector against GOD. They to whom we have given the book of the Koran, and who read it with its true reading, they believe therein; and whoever believeth not therein, they shall perish. O children of Israel, remember my favour wherewith I have favoured you, and that I have preferred you before all nations; and dread the day wherein one soul shall not make satisfaction for another soul, neither shall any compensation be accepted from them, nor shall any intercession avail, neither shall they be helped. Remember when the LORD tried Abraham by certain words, which he

Literally, resigneth his face, &c.

That is, asserteth the unity of God.

The Jews and Christians are here accused of denying the truth of each other's religion, notwithstanding they read the scriptures. Whereas the Pentateuch bears testimony to Jesus, and the gospel bears testimony to Moses."

Or hindereth men from paying their adorations to God in those sacred places. This passage, says Jallalo'ddin, was revealed on news being brought, that the Romans had spoiled the temple of Jerusalem; or else when the idolatrous Arabs obstructed Mohammed's visiting the temple of Mecca, in the expedition of al Hodeibiya, which happened in the sixth year of the Hejra.

This is spoken not only of the Christians, and of the Jews (for they are accused of Lolding Ozair, or Ezra, to be the son of God), but also the pagan Arabs, who imagined the angels to be daughters of God.

God tried Abraham chiefly by commanding him to leave his native country, and to offe his son. But the commentators suppose the trial here meant related only to some particula • Vide Abu'lfedæ Vit. Moham. p. 84, &c.

• Jallalo'ddin.

' Idem.

fulfilled God said, Verily I will constitute thee a model of religion * unto mankind; he answered, And also of my posterity; GOD said, My covenant doth not comprehend the ungodly. And when we appointed .he holy house of Mecca to be a place of resort for mankind, and a place of security; and said, Take the station of Abraham for a place of prayer; and we covenanted with Abraham and Ismael, that they should cleanse my house for those who should compass it, and those who should be devoutly assiduous there, and those who should bow down and worship. And when Abraham said, LORD make this a territory of security, and bounteously bestow fruits on its inhabitants, such of them as believe in God and the last day; GoD answered, And whoever believeth not, I will bestow on him little ; afterwards I will drive him to the punishment of hell fire; an ill journey shall it be! And when Abraham and Ismael raised the foundations of the house, saying, LORD, accept it from us, for thou art he who heareth and knoweth: LORD, make us also resigned unto thee, and of our posterity a people resigned unto thee, and show us our holy ceremonies, and be turned unto us, for thou art easy to be reconciled, and merciful: LORD, send them likewise an apostle from among them, who may declare thy signs unto thein, and teach them the book of the Koran and wisdom, and may purify them; for thou art mighty and wise. Who will be averse to the religion of Abraham, but he whose mind is infatuated? Surely we have chosen him in this world, and in that which is to come he shall be one of the righteous. When his LORD said unto him, Resign thyself unto me; he answered, I have resigned myself unto the LORD of all creatures. And Abraham bequeathed this religion to his children, and Jacob did the same, saying, My children, verily God hath chosen this religion for you, therefore die not, unless ye also be resigned. Were ye present when Jacob was at the point of death? when ceremonies, such as circumcision, pilgrimage to the Caaba, several rites of purification, and the like."

I have rather expressed the meaning, than truly translated the Arabic word Imâm, which answers to the Latin Antistes. This title the Mohammedans give to their priests, who begin the prayers in their Mosques, and whom all the congregation follow.

* "I will establish thee the leader of the people."-Savary.

That is, the Caaba, which is usually called by way of eminence, the House. Of the sanctity of this building and other particulars relating to it, see the Preliminary Discourse,

sect. iv.

A place so called within the inner enclosure of the Caaba, where they pretend to show the print of his foot in a stone.1

"Purify my temple from the idols which are around it, and from those which are within it, and from their worshippers."-Savary.

"I will extend, replied the Lord, my gifts even to the unbelievers, but they shall enjoy little. They shall be condemned to the flames, and deplorable shall be their end." -Savary,

The Arabic word is Moslemûna, in the singular Moslem, which the Mohammedans take as a title peculiar to themselves. The Europeans generally write and pronounce is Musulman.

The descendants of Abraham and of Ishmael lost the belief of an only God. They still reverenced the temple of Mecca as the work of those two patriarchs, but around it and within it they had placed idols, to which they paid divine worship. Mahomet over threw them, and restored the worship of the only true God.-Savary.