HKB
1 See Sura 1xviii. p. 32.
2 This is said by the traditionists and commentators generally, to refer to Amir and Arbad ben Kais, who in the year 9 or 10 conspired against Muhammad's life, and were struck dead by lightning. See the authorities in Nöld. p. 120: Weil, 256; Caussin, iii. 295. But this explanation may have been suggested by the words of the text, which must, if the comment be correct, have been revealed at Medina.
3 Thus, "one hour of bliss in the world to come is better than all life in this world." Mischnah Aboth, iv. 17. Comp. Sura [cxiii.] ix. 38.
4 See Sura xvii. 109. This verse is said to have been occasioned by the refusal of the Meccans at Hudaibiya to adopt the formula prescribed by Muhammad–In the Name of the God of Mercy, the Merciful–declaring that they knew not who the God of Mercy (Arrahman) was. This was in Hej. 6. See n. p. 173.
5 Lit. despair.
6 That is, the Jews, who at this period of Muhammad's prophetic function, must have been highly gratified at the strong leaning towards, and respect for, their Scriptures and Histories, which shews itself increasingly in the later Meccan Suras.
7 Lit. Mother, or Prototype of the Book. Either God's knowledge or Prescience, or the fabled preserved tablet, on which is written the original of the Koran, and all God's decrees. The Jews have a tradition that the Law existed before the Creation. Midr. Jalkut, 7.
8 That is, the progressive conquests of the Muslims trench more and more on the territories of the idolatrous Arabians.
SURA II.–THE COW1 [XCI.]
MEDINA.–286 Verses
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
ELIF. LAM. MIM.2 No doubt is there about this Book: It is a guidance to the God-fearing,
Who believe in the unseen,3 who observe prayer, and out of what we have bestowed on them, expend for God;
And who believe in what hath been sent down to thee, and in what hath been sent down before thee, and full faith have they in the life to come:
These are guided by their Lord; and with these it shall be well.
As to the infidels, alike is it to them whether thou warn them or warn them not–they will not believe:
Their hearts and their ears hath God sealed up; and over their eyes is a covering. For them, a severe chastisement!
And some4 there are who say, "We believe in God, and in the latter day:" Yet are they not believers!
Fain would they deceive God and those who have believed; but they deceive themselves only, and know it not.
Diseased are their hearts! And that disease hath God increased creased to them. Their's a sore chastisement, for that they treated their prophet as a liar!
And when it is said to them, "Cause not disorders in the earth:" they say, "Nay, rather do we set them right."
Is it not that they are themselves the authors of disorder? But they perceive it not!
And when it is said to them, "Believe as other men have believed;" they say, "Shall we believe as the fools have believed?" Is it not that they are themselves the fools? But they know it not!
And when they meet the faithful they say, "We believe;" but when they are apart with their Satans5 they say, "Verily we hold with you, and at them we only mock."
God shall mock at them, and keep them long in their rebellion, wandering in perplexity.
These are they who have purchased error at the price of guidance: but their traffic hath not been gainful, neither are they guided at all.
They are like one6 who kindleth a fire, and when it hath thrown its light on all around him. . . . God taketh away their light and leaveth them in darkness–they cannot see!–
Deaf, dumb, blind: therefore they shall not retrace their steps from error!