INTRODUCTION v The Korān is capable of adequate representation in small compass and approximately chronological order. The original audience of Mohammad’s speeches: Arabian characteristics in desert-life and town-life, poetry and religion. Mohammad’s early life, person and habits, call to preach, and work at Mekka. The three periods of Mekka speeches. Change of position at Medina, and consequent change in oratory. The Medina speeches. Incompleteness of the law of the Korān. The Traditions or Table-talk. References lvi Analytical Table of Contents lvii THE SPEECHES AT MEKKA I.--_THE POETIC PERIOD._ Aet. 40-44, A.D. 609-613 1 THE NIGHT (xcii.) 3 The difference between the good and the wicked in their lives and their future states; warning of hell and promise of heaven. THE COUNTRY (xc) 5 The steep road to the life to come is by charity and faith. THE SMITING (ci.) 7 The terrors of the Judgment Day and the Bottomless Pit. THE QUAKING (xcix.) 8 Signs of the Last Day, when all secrets shall be revealed. THE RENDING ASUNDER (lxxxii.) 9 Signs of the Last Day; man’s unbelief; angels record his actions, by which his fate shall be decided. THE CHARGERS (c.) 11 Man’s ingratitude towards God will be exposed on the Last Day. SUPPORT (cvii.) 12 Uncharitable hypocrites denounced. THE BACKBITER (civ.) 13 The covetous slanderer shall be cast into Blasting Hell. THE SPLENDOUR OF MORNING (xciii.) 14 The goodness of God towards Mohammad must be imitated towards others. THE MOST HIGH (lxxxvii.) 15 God the Creator is to be magnified. Mohammad is enjoined to admonish the people; the opposite fates of those who hearken and those who turn away; the message is the same as that delivered by Abraham and Moses. THE WRAPPING (lxxxi.) 17 Signs of the Last Day. Authenticity of the Korān: Mohammad neither mad nor possessed. The Korān a reminder, but man is powerless to follow it except by God’s decree. THE NEWS (lxxviii.) 19 Men dispute about the Last Day: yet it shall come as surely as God created all things.