The Koran Part 6

MECCA. 5 Verses

In the Name of G.o.d, the Compa.s.sionate, the Merciful

LET the hands of ABU LAHAB1 perish,and let himself peris.h.!.+

His wealth and his gains shall avail him not.

Burned shall he be at the fiery flame,2

And his wife laden with fire wood,-

On her neck a rope of palm fibre.

_______________________

1 Undoubtedly one of the earliest Suras, and refers to the rejection of Muhammad's claim to the prophetic office by his uncle, Abu Lahab, at the instigation of his wife, Omm Djemil, who is said to have strewn the path of Muhammad on one occasion with thorns. The following six Suras, like the two first, have special reference to the difficulties which the Prophet met with the outset of his career, especially from the rich.

2 In allusion to the meaning of Abu Lahab, father of flame.

SURA CVIII.-THE ABUNDANCE [XII.]

MECCA.-3 Verses

In the Name of G.o.d, the Compa.s.sionate, the Merciful

TRULY we have given thee an ABUNDANCE;

Pray therefore to the Lord, and slay the victims.

Verily whoso hateth thee shall be childless.1

_______________________

1 A reply to those who had taunted Muhammad with the death of his sons, as a mark of the divine displeasure.

SURA CIV.-THE BACKBITER [XII.]

MECCA.-9 Verses

In the Name of G.o.d, the Compa.s.sionate, the Merciful

Woe to every BACKBITER, Defamer!

Who ama.s.seth wealth and storeth it against the future!

He thinketh surely that his wealth shall be with him for ever.

Nay! for verily he shall be flung into the Crus.h.i.+ng Fire;

And who shall teach thee what the Crus.h.i.+ng Fire is?

It is G.o.d's kindled fire,

Which shall mount above the hearts of the d.a.m.ned;

It shall verily rise over them like a vault,

On outstretched columns.

SURA CVII.-RELIGION [XIV.]

MECCA.-7 Verses

In the name of G.o.d, the Compa.s.sionate, the Merciful

WHAT thinkest thou of him who treateth our RELIGION as a lie?

He it is who trusteth away the orphan,

And stirreth not others up to feed the poor.

Woe to those who pray,

But in their prayer are careless;

Who make a shew of devotion,

But refuse help to the needy.

SURA CII.-DESIRE [XV.]

MECCA.-8 Verses

In the name of G.o.d, the Compa.s.sionate, the Merciful

THE DESIRE of increasing riches occupieth you,

Till ye come to the grave.

Nay! but in the end ye shall know

Nay! once more,in the end ye shall know your folly.