CHAP. LXXIV
Intitled, The Covered; revealed at Mecca.
In the name of the most merciful God.
[a] O thou covered, &c.] It is related, from Mohammed’s own mouth, that being on mount Harâ, and hearing himself called, he looked on each hand, and saw nobody; but looking upwards, he saw the angel Gabriel on a throne, between heaven and earth; at which sight being much terrified, he returned to his wife Khadîjah, and bade her cover him up; and that then the angel descended, and addressed him in the words of the text. From hence some think this chapter to have been the first which was revealed: but the more received opinion is, that it was the 96th. Others say that the prophet, having been reviled by certain of the Koreish, was sitting in a melancholy and pensive posture, wrapped up in his mantle, when Gabriel accosted him: and some say he was sleeping. See the second note to the preceding chapter.
[b] Arise and preach;] It is generally supposed that Mohammed is here commanded more especially to warn his near relations, the Koreish; as he is expressly ordered to do in a subsequent revelation [1] .
[1] See chap. 26, p. 308, and the Prelim. Disc. §. II. p. 43.
[c] Fly every abomination;] By the word abomination the commentators generally agree idolatry to be principally intended.
[a] Let me alone with him whom I have created, &c.] The person here meant is generally supposed to have been al Walid Ebn al Mogheira [1] , a principal man among the Koreish.
[1] Al Zamakh. Al Beidawi.
[b] And children dwelling in his presence;] Being well provided for, and not obliged to go abroad to seek their livings, as most others of the Meccans were [2] .
[2] Al Beidawi.
[c] And for whom I have disposed affairs in a smooth and easy manner;] By facilitating his advancement to power and dignity; which were so considerable that he was surnamed Rihâna Koreish, or The sweet odour of the Koreish, and al Wahîd, i.e. The only one, or The incomparable [3] .
[3] Idem.
[d] By no means, &c.] On the revelation of this passage it is said that Walid’s prosperity began to decay, and continued daily so to do to the time of his death [4] .
[4] Idem.
[e] I will afflict him with grievous calamities;] Or, as the words may be strictly rendered, I will drive him up the crag of a mountain; which some understand of a mountain of fire, agreeably to a tradition of their prophet, importing that al Walid will be condemned to ascend this mountain, and then to be cast down from thence, alternately for ever; and that he will be seventy years in climbing up, and as many in falling down [5] .
[5] Idem.
[f] We have appointed none but angels to preside over hell fire;] The reason of which is said to be, that they might be of a different nature and species from those who are to be tormented, lest they should have a fellow-feeling of, and compassionate their sufferings; or else, because of their great strength and severity of temper [6] .
[6] Idem.
[g] For an occasion of discord to the unbelievers;] Or, for a trial of them: because they might say this was a particular borrowed by Mohammed of the Jews.
[h] They to whom the scriptures have been given;] And especially the Jews; this being conformable to what is contained in their books [7] .
[7] Jallal.
[i] The armies of thy Lord;] i.e. All his creatures; or particularly the number and strength of the guards of hell.
[k] This;] The antecedent seems to be hell
[a] See chap. 52. p. 424.
[b] Except the companions of the right hand;] i.e. The blessed [1] ; who shall redeem themselves by their good works. Some say these are the angels, and others, such as die infants [2] .
[1] See chap. 56. p. 434. not. b.
[2] Al Beidawi.
[c] Death;] Literally, That which is certain.
[d] That he may have expanded scrolls delivered to him from God;] For the infidels told Mohammed that they would never obey him as a prophet till he brought each man a writing from heaven, to this effect, viz. From God to such a one: Follow Mohammed [3] .
[3] Idem.