CHAP. LXI.
Intitled, Battle Array; revealed at Mecca
[a]
.
In the name of the most merciful God.
[a] Or, as some rather judge, at Medina; which opinion is confirmed by the explication in the next note.
[b] Why do ye say that which ye do not?] The commentators generally suppose these words to be directed to the Moslems, who, notwithstanding they had solemnly engaged to spend their lives and fortunes in defence of their faith, yet shamefully turned their backs at the battle of Ohod [1] . They may, however, be applied to hypocrites of all sorts, whose actions contradict their words.
[1] See chap. 3. p. 50, &c.
[c] Why do ye unjure me?] Viz. By your disobedience; or by maliciously aspersing me [2] .
[2] See chap. 33. p. 351.
[d] Whose name shall be Ahmed;] 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 [3] : 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 [4] .
[3] See John xvi. 7, &c.
[4] See the Prelim. Disc. §. IV. p. 74.
[a] See chap. 3. p. 42.
[b] And a part believed not;] Either by rejecting him, or by affirming him to be God, and the son of God [4] .
[4] Jallalo’ddin.