3 The word SAY-the usual address of God or Gabriel to Muhammad-must either be considered as spoken by God to Abraham, in which case we have a curious instance of the manner in which Muhammad identifies himself with Abraham, and makes Abraham speak in words which he constantly elsewhere uses himself; or, with Wahl, we must suppose that from v. 17 to v. 22 are misplaced. 4 Comp. Ps. cxxxix. 7. 5 Lit. for love among yourselves, or as an object of love, i.e. devout worship. 6 Thus Sura [lxv.] xxi. 71. The Midr. Rabbah on Gen. Par. 18, says that Haran, the father of Lot, was brought by Abraham's deliverance from the furnace to the adoption of his doctrines. Muhammad may have transferred this idea to Lot. 7 The following passages deserve to be compared, as shewing the loose way in which Muhammad could speak of the relationship subsisting between Abraham and the other Patriarchs. See 38 below. Sura [xci.] ii. 127; [lxxxix.] vi. 84; [lviii.] xix. 50; [lxv.] xxi. 72; [lxxvii.] xii. 6. It is a curious coincidence that in the Sonna 398, 400, Joseph is said to be the Grandson, and Jacob the Son, of Abraham. 8 Lit. was straitened in regard to them. 9 See [lxxv.] xi. 83. 10 So as to fly from our vengeance. 11 Lit. in truth. 12 With the Jews. This passage is quoted by modern Muslims in justification of their indifference with respect to the propagation of their religion. "The number of the faithful," said one of them to Mr. Lane, "is decreed by God, and no act of man can increase or diminish it." Mod. Egypt. i. p. 364. Nöldeke supposes this verse to have been revealed at Medina, and renders, Contend not except in the best way, i.e. not by words but by force. 13 Idols. 14 That is, you may find places of refuge where you may worship the true God in some other parts of the earth, if driven forth from your native city. This verse is very indicative of a late Meccan origin. Flight from Mecca must have been imminent when Muhammad could thus write. 15 Lit. carry not. Comp. Matth. vi. 26; Luke xii. 24. 16 At Mecca. SURA XXXI.-LOKMAN1 [LXXXII.] MECCA.-34 Verses In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful ELIF. LAM. MIM.2 These are the verses (signs) of the wise Book, A guidance and a mercy to the righteous, Who observe prayer, and pay the impost,3 and believe firmly in the life to come:- These rest on guidance from their Lord, and with these it shall be well. But a man there is4 who buyeth an idle tale, that in his lack of knowledge he may mislead others from the way of God, and turn it to scorn. For such is prepared a shameful punishment! And when our signs are rehearsed to him, he turneth away disdainfully, as though he heard them not,-as though his ears were heavy with deafness. Announce to him therefore tidings of an afflictive punishment! But they who shall have believed and wrought good works, shall enjoy the gardens of delight: For ever shall they dwell therein: it is God's true promise! and He is the Mighty, the Wise.