Chapter 108

ENTITLED, THE STRIKING; REVEALED AT MECCA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

THE striking!g What is the striking? And what shall make thee to understand how terrible the striking will be? On that day men shall be like moths scattered abroad, and the mountains shall become like carded wool of various colours driven by the wind. Moreover he whose balance shall be heavy with good works, shall lead a pleasing life: but as to him whose balance shall be light, his dwelling shall be the pit of hell.h What shall make thee to understand how frightful the pit of hell is? It is a burning fire.

f Some will have it that not horses, but the camels which went to the battle of Bedr, are meant in this passage.1 Others interpret all the parts of the oath of the human soul;2 but their explications seem a little forced, and therefore I choose to omit them. g This is one of the names or epithets given to the last day, because it will strike the hearts of all creatures with terror.3 h The original word Hâwiyat is the name of the lowest dungeon of hell, and properly signifies a deep pit or gulf.

1 Yahya, ex trad. Ali Ebn Abi Taleb. 2 Al Beidâwi. 3 Idem, Jallalo'ddin.