CHAP. LIV.
Intitled, The Moon; revealed at Mecca.
In the name of the most merciful God.
[a] The moon hath been split in sunder.] This passage is expounded two different ways. Some imagine the words refer to a famous miracle supposed to have been performed by Mohammed; for it is said that, on the infidels demanding a sign of him, the moon appeared cloven in two [1] , one part vanishing, and the other remaining; and Ebn Masúd affirmed that he saw mount Harâ interpose between the two sections. Others think the preter tense is here used in the prophetic style for the future, and that the passage should be rendered, The moon shall be split in sunder: for this, they say, is to happen at the resurrection. The former opinion is supported by reading, according to some copies, wakad inshakka ’lkamaro, i.e. since the moon hath already been split in sunder; the splitting of the moon being reckoned by some to be one of the previous signs of the last day [2] .
[1] See a long and fabulous account of this pretended miracle in Gagnier, Vie de Mah. ch. 19.
[2] Al Zamakh. Al Beidawi.
[b] A powerful charm;] Or, as the participle here used may also signify, a continued series of magic, or, a transient magic illusion.
[a] Every thing will be immutably fixed;] Or will reach a final period of ruin or success in this world, and of misery or happiness in the next, which will be conclusive and unchangeable thenceforward for ever [1] .
[1] Al Beidawi.
[b] A message.] i.e. The Koran, containing stories of former nations which have been chastised for their incredulity, and threats of a more dreadful punishment hereafter.
[c] The day whereon the summoner shall summon mankind to an ungrateful business;] That is, when the angel Israfil shall call men to judgment.
[d] I am overpowered; wherefore avenge me.] This petition was not preferred by Noah till after he had suffered repeated violence from his people; for it is related that one of them having fallen upon him and almost strangled him, when he came to himself he said, O Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they do [2] .
[2] Idem.
[e] Under our eyes;] i.e. Under our special regard and keeping.
[f] A roaring;] Or, a cold wind.
[g] On a day of continued ill luck;] Viz. On a Wednesday. See chap. 41. p. 390. not. d.
[h] It carried men away, as they had been roots of palm-trees;] It is related that they sought shelter in the clefts of rocks, and in pits, holding fast by one another; but that the wind impetuously tore them away, and threw them down dead [3] .
[3] Idem
[a] See chap. 7. p. 124, &c.
[b] The water shall be divided between them;] That is, between the Thamudites and the camel. See chap. 26. p. 306. not. b.
[c] Their companion;] Namely, Kodâr Ebn Salef; who was not an Arab , but a stranger dwelling among the Thamudites. See chap. 7. p. 125. not. a.
[d] He took a sword;] Or, as the word also imports, He became resolute and daring.
[e] Like the dry sticks used by him who buildeth a fold for cattle;] The words may signify either the dry boughs with which, in the east, they make folds or enclosures, to fence their cattle from wind and cold; or the stubble and other stuff with which they litter them in those folds during the winter season.
[f] We put out their eyes;] So that their sockets became filled up even with the other parts of their faces. This, it is said, was done by one stroke of the wing of the angel Gabriel. See chap. 11. p. 183.
[g] A lasting punishment;] Under which they shall continue till they receive their full punishment in hell.
[h] The multitude shall surely be put to flight;] This prophecy was fulfilled by the overthrow of the Koreish at Bedr. It is related, from a tradition of Omar, that when this passage was revealed, Mohammed professed himself to be ignorant of its true meaning; but on the day of the battle of Bedr, he repeated these words as he was putting on his coat of mail [1] .
[1] Al Beidawi.
[i] The hour of judgment is their threatened time of punishment;] i.e. The time when they shall receive their full punishment; what they suffer in this world being only the forerunner or earnest of what they shall feel in the next.
[a] Our command is no more than a single word;] Viz. Kun, i.e. Be. The passage may also be rendered, The execution of our purpose is but a single act, exerted in a moment. Some suppose it refers to the business of the day of judgment [1] .
[1] Idem