[373]. A man of Al-Medinah, one of the first of Mohammed’s disciples.
[374]. Koran lxxiv. 1, etc., supposed to have been addressed by Gabriel to Mohammed when in the cave of Hira or Jabal Núr. He returned to his wife Khadijah in sore terror at the vision of one sitting on a throne between heaven and earth, and bade her cover him up. Whereupon the Archangel descended with this text, supposed to be the first revealed. Mr. Rodwell (p. 3) renders it, “O thou enwrapped in thy mantle!” and makes it No. ii. after a Fatrah or silent interval of six months to three years.
[375]. There are several versets on this subject (chapts. ii. and xxx).
[376]. Koran cx. 1.
[377]. The third Caliph; the “Writer of the Koran.”
[378]. Koran, v. 4. Sale translates “idols.” Mr. Rodwell, “On the blocks (or shafts) of stone,” rude altars set by the pagan Arabs before their dwellings.
[379]. Koran, v. 116. The words are put into the mouth of Jesus.
[380]. The end of the same verse.
[381]. Koran, v. 89. Supposed to have been revealed when certain Moslems purposed to practise Christian asceticism, fasting, watching, abstaining from women and sleeping on hard beds. I have said Mohammed would have “no monkery in Al-Islam,” but human nature willed otherwise. Mr. Rodwell prefers “Interdict the healthful viands.”
[382]. Koran, iv. 124.