fac-similé
Sale, 1734
CHAP. LVIII.
Intitled, She who disputed; revealed at Medina
[a]
.
In the name of the most merciful God.
notes originales
[a] Some are of opinion that the first ten verses of this chapter, ending with these words, and fear God, before whom ye shall be assembled, were revealed at Mecca, and the rest at Medina. [1]
[1] Idem.
[b] He who disputed with thee concerning her husband, &c.] This was Khawla bint Thálaba, the wife of Aws Ebn al Sâmat, who, being divorced by her husband by a form in use among the Arabs in the time of ignorance, viz. by saying to her, Thou art to me as the back of my mother [2] , came to ask Mohammed’s opinion whether they were necessarily obliged to a separation; and he told her that it was not lawful for her to cohabit with her husband any more: to which she replying, that her husband had not put her away, the prophet repeated his former decision, adding that such form of speaking was by general consent understood to imply a perpetual separation. Upon this the woman, being greatly concerned because of the smallness of her children, went home, and uttered her complaint to God in prayer: and thereupon this passage was revealed [3] , allowing a man to take his wife again, notwithstanding his having pronounced the above-mentioned form of divorce, on doing certain acts of charity or mortification, by way of penance.
[2] See chap. 33. p. 341.
[3] Al Beidawi, Jallal. &c.
[c] They only are their mothers who brought them forth;] And therefore no woman ought to be placed in the same degree of prohibition, except those whom God has joined with them, as nursing mothers, and the wives of the prophet [4] .
[4] Al Beidawi. See chap. 4. p. 63. and ch. 33. p. 350.
[a] Would repair, &c.] This seems to be here the true meaning of the original word, which properly signifies to return, and is variously expounded by the Mohammedan doctors.
[b] A captive;] Which captive, according to the most received decision, ought to be a true believer; as is ordered for the expiation of manslaughter [1] .
[1] See chap. 4. p. 72.
[c] Those who have been forbidden to use clandestine discourse, &c.] That is, the Jews and hypocritical Moslems, who caballed privately together against Mohammed, and made signs to one another when they saw the true believers; and this they continued to do, notwithstanding they were forbidden.
[d] They salute thee with thatform of salutation wherewith God doth not salute thee.] It seems they used, instead of Al salâm aleica, i.e. Peace be upon thee, to say, Al sâm aleica, i.e. Mischief on thee, &c [2]
[2] Al Beidawi, Jallal.
[a] When it is said unto you, Make room in the assembly; make room.] In this passage the Moslems are commanded to give place, in the public assemblies, to the prophet and the more honourable of his companions; and not to press and crowd upon him, as they used to do, out of a desire of being near him, and hearing his discourse.
[b] When ye go to speak with the apostle, give alms, &c.] To shew your sincerity, and to honour the apostle. It is doubted whether this be a counsel or a precept; but, however, it continued but a very little while in force, being agreed on all hands to be abrogated by the following passage, Do ye fear to give alms, &c. [1] .
[1] Iidem.
[c] A people against whom God is incensed;] i.e. The Jews.
[d] They are neither of you, nor of them;] Being hypocrites, and wavering between the two parties.
[e] They swear to a lie;] i.e. They have solemnly professed Islâm, which they believe not in their hearts.