And how many generations have we destroyed ere the days of these (Meccans), mightier than they in strength! Search ye then the land. Is there any escape? Lo! herein is warning for him who hath a heart, or giveth ear, and is himself an eye-witness.8 We created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six days, and no weariness touched us.9 Wherefore put up with what they say, and celebrate the praise of thy Lord before sunrise and before sunset: And praise Him in the night: and perform the two final prostrations. And list for the day whereon the crier shall cry from a place near to every one alike: The day on which men shall in truth hear that shout will be the day of their coming forth from the grave. Verily, we cause to live, and we cause to die. To us shall all return. On the day when the earth shall swiftly cleave asunder over the dead, will this gathering be easy to Us. We know best what the infidels say: and thou art not to compel them. Warn then by the Koran those who fear my menace. _______________________ 1 See Sura lxviii. I, p. 32. 2 See [lxvi.] xxv. 40. 3 See xliv. 36, p. 90. 4 The Resurrection. 5 Lit. a driver and a witness. 6 The Satan who is chained to him. Sura [lxxi.] xli. 24. 7 Lit. is there any addition? which some explain as if Hell enquired whether, being already full, any addition could be made to its size. Comp. Prov. xxx. 15, and Othioth Derabbi Akiba, 8, 1: "That the Prince of Hell saith daily, Give me food enough, is clear from what is said (Is. v. 14). Therefore Shaol hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure, etc." 8 That is, of the ruins of the destroyed cities, etc. 9 This verse is said (by Omar b. Muhammad, Itq. 36, Djelal Eddin, ap. Maracc. and Beidh.) to have been revealed in answer to the Jews who told the Prophet that if God rested on the Sabbath, it was because he was weary. But a connection with verse 14 seems more natural. SURA XX.1-TA. HA. [LV.] MECCA.-135 Verses In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful TA. HA.2 Not to sadden thee have we sent down this Koran to thee, But as a warning for him who feareth; It is a missive from Him who hath made the earth and the lofty heavens! The God of Mercy sitteth on his throne: His, whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, and whatsoever is between them both, and whatsoever is beneath the humid soil! Thou needest not raise thy voice:3 for He knoweth the secret whisper, and the yet more hidden. God! There is no God but He! Most excellent His titles! Hath the history of Moses reached thee? When he saw a fire, and said to his family, "Tarry ye here, for I perceive a fire: Haply I may bring you a brand from it, or find at the fire a guide."4 And when he came to it, he was called to, "O Moses! Verily, I am thy Lord:. therefore pull off thy shoes: for thou art in the holy valley of Towa. And I have chosen thee: hearken then to what shall be revealed.