[125]. Arab. “Al-Kasab,” which phrenologists would translate “acquisitiveness.” The author is here attempting to reconcile man’s moral responsibility, that is Freewill, with Fate by which all human actions are directed and controlled. I cannot see that he fails to “apprehend the knotty point of doctrine involved”; but I find his inability to make two contraries agree as pronounced as that of all others, Moslems and Christians, that preceded him in the same path.
[126]. The order should be, “men, angels and Jinn,” for which see vol. i. p. [10]. But “angels” here takes precedence because Iblis was one of them.
[127]. Arab. “Wartah” = precipice, quagmire, quicksand and hence sundry secondary and metaphorical significations, under which, as in the “Samitic” (Arabic) tongues generally, the prosaical and material sense of the word is clearly evident. I noted this in Pilgrimage iii. 66, and was soundly abused for so saying by a host of Sciolists.
[128]. i.e. Allowing the Devil to go about the world and seduce mankind until Doomsday when “auld Sootie’s” occupation will be gone. Surely “Providence” might have managed better.
[129]. i.e. to those who deserve His love.
[130]. Here “Istitá’ah” would mean capability of action, i.e. freewill, which is a mere word like “free trade.”
[131]. Arab. “Bi al-taubah” which may also mean “for (on account of his) penitence.” The reader will note how the learned Shimas “dodges” the real question. He is asked why the “Omnipotent, Omniscient did not prevent (i.e. why He created) sin?” He answers that He kindly permitted (i.e. created and sanctioned) it that man might repent. Proh pudor! If any one thus reasoned of mundane matters he would be looked upon as the merest fool.
[132]. Arab. “Mahall al-Zauk,” lit. = seat of taste.
[133]. Mr. Payne translates “it” i.e. the Truth; but the formula following the word shows that Allah is meant.
[134]. Moslems, who do their best to countermine the ascetic idea inherent in Christianity, are not ashamed of the sensual appetite; but rather the reverse. I have heard in Persia of a Religious, highly esteemed for learning and saintly life who, when lodged by a disciple at Shiraz, came out of his sleeping room and aroused his host with the words “Shahwat dáram!” equivalent to our “I want a woman.” He was at once married to one of the slave-girls and able to gratify the demands of the flesh.