Sacred Books of the East

by Unknown

Footnote 31: [(return)]

At first, Mohammed and his followers observed no particular rite in turning their faces towards any certain place, or quarter, of the world, when they prayed; it being declared to be perfectly indifferent.

Footnote 32: [(return)]

For this reason, whenever the Mohammedans kill any animal for food, they always say, Bismi allah, or "In the name of God"; which, if it be neglected, they think it not lawful to eat of it.

Footnote 33: [(return)]

This is the common practice in Mohammedan countries, particularly in Persia, where the relations of the deceased may take their choice, either to have the murderer put into their hands to be put to death, or else to accept of a pecuniary satisfaction.

Footnote 34: [(return)]

That is, the legacy was not to exceed a third part of the testator's substance, nor to be given where there was no necessity. But this injunction is abrogated by the law concerning inheritances.

Footnote 35: [(return)]

This person was al Akhnas Ebn Shoraik, a fair-spoken dissembler, who swore that he believed in Mohammed, and pretended to be one of his friends, and to contemn this world. But God here reveals to the prophet his hypocrisy and wickedness.

Footnote 36: [(return)]

Setting fire to his neighbor's corn, and killing his asses by night.

Footnote 37: [(return)]

The person here meant was one Soheib, who being persecuted by the idolaters of Mecca forsook all he had and fled to Medina.

Footnote 38: [(return)]

Under the name of wine all sorts of strong and inebriating liquors are comprehended.

Footnote 39: [(return)]

The original word, al Meiser, properly signifies a particular game performed with arrows, and much in use with the pagan Arabs. But by lots we are here to understand all games whatsoever, which are subject to chance or hazard, as dice and cards.

Footnote 40: [(return)]

Some commentators expound this negatively, "That ye will not deal justly, nor be devout ..." For such wicked oaths, they say, were customary among the idolatrous inhabitants of Mecca; which gave occasion to the following saying of Mohammed: "When you swear to do a thing, and afterwards find it better to do otherwise, do that which is better, and make void your oath."