Chapter 69
ENTITLED, THE ASSEMBLY; REVEALED AT MEDINA.
IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.
WHATEVER is in heaven and earth praiseth GOD; the King, the Holy, the Mighty, the Wise.
i For Mohammed also bore the name of Ahmed; both names being derived from the same root, and nearly of the same signification. The Persian paraphrast, to support what is here alleged, quotes the following words of Christ, I go to my father, and the Paraclete shall come:7 the Mohammedan doctors unanimously teaching that by the Paraclete (or, as they choose to read it, the Periclyte, or Illustrious) their prophet is intended, and no other.8 k See chapter 3, p. 38. l Either by rejecting him, or by affirming him to be GOD, and the son of GOD.9
7 See John xvi. 7, &c. 8 See the Prelim. Disc. Sect. IV. p. 58. 9 Jallalo'ddin.
It is he who hath raised up amidst the illiterate Arabians an apostle from among themselves,m to rehearse his signs unto them, and to purify them, and to teach them the scriptures and wisdom; whereas before they were certainly in a manifest error; and others of them have not yet attained unto them, by embracing the faith; though they also shall be converted in God's good time; for he is mighty and wise. This is the free grace of GOD: he bestoweth the same on whom he pleaseth: and GOD is endued with great beneficence. The likeness of those who were charged with the observance of the law, and then observed it not, is as the likeness of an ass laden with books.n How wretched is the likeness of the people who charge the signs of GOD with falsehood! and GOD directeth not the unjust people. Say, O ye who follow the Jewish religion, if ye say that ye are the friends of GOD above other men, wish for death,o if ye speak truth. But they will never wish for it, because of that which their hands have sent before them:p and GOD well knoweth the unjust. Say, Verily death, from which ye fly, will surely meet you: then shall ye be brought before him who knoweth as well what is concealed as what is discovered; and he will declare unto you that which ye have done. O true believers, when ye are called to prayer on the day of assembly,q hasten to the commemoration of GOD and leave merchandising. This will be better for you, if you knew it. 10 And when prayer is ended, then disperse yourselves through the land as ye list, and seek gain of the liberality of GOD:r and remember GOD frequently, that ye may prosper. But when they see any merchandising, or sport, they flock thereto, and leave thee standing up in the pulpit.s Say, The reward which is with GOD is better than any sport or merchandise: and GOD is the best provider.
m See the Prelim. Disc. Sect. II. p. 32. n Because they understand not the prophecies contained in the law, which bear witness to Mohammed, no more than the ass does the books he carries. o i.e., Make it your request to GOD that he would translate you from this troublesome world to a state of never-fading bliss. p See chapter 2, p. 11. q That is, Friday, which being more peculiarly set apart by Mohammed for the public worship of GOD, is therefore called Yawm al jomá, i.e., the day of the assembly or congregation; whereas before it was called al Arûba. The first time this day was particularly observed, as some say, was on the prophet's arrival at Medina, into which city he made his first entry on a Friday: but others tell us that Caab Ebn Lowa, one of Mohammed's ancestors, gave the day its present name, because on that day the people used to be assembled before him.1 One reason given for the observation of Friday, preferably to any other day of the week, is because on that day GOD finished the creation.2 By returning to your commerce and worldly occupations, if ye think fit: for the Mohammedans do not hold themselves obliged to observe the day of their public assembly with the same strictness as the Christians and Jews do their respective Sabbath; or particularly to abstain from work, after they have performed their devotions. Some, however, from a tradition of their prophet, are of opinion that works of charity, and religious exercises, which may draw down the blessing of GOD, are recommended in this passage. r It is related that one Friday, while Mohammed was preaching, a caravan of merchants happened to arrive with their drums beating, according to custom; which the congregation hearing, they all ran out of the mosque to see them, except twelve only.3
1 Al Beidâwi. 2 Vide Gol. in Alfrag p. 15. 3 Al Beidâwi, Jallalo'ddin.