CHAP. LXXVI.
Intitled, Man; revealed at Mecca
[a]
.
In the name of the most merciful God.
[a] It is somewhat doubtful, whether this chapter was revealed at Mecca or at Medina.
[b] Did there not pass over man a long space of time, &c.] Some take these words to be spoken of Adam, whose body, according to Mohammedan tradition, was at first a figure of clay, and was left forty years to dry before God breathed life into it [1] ; others understand them of man in general and of the time he lies in the womb.
[1] See the notes to chap. 2. p. 4.
[c] We have made him to hear and to see;] That he might be capable of receiving the rules and directions given by God for his guidance [2] ; and of meriting reward or punishment for his observance or neglect of them.
[2] Al Beidawi.
[d] Câfûr] Is the name of a fountain in paradise, so called from its resembling camphire (which the word signifies) in odour and whiteness. Some take the word for an appellative, and think the wine of paradise will be mixed with camphire, because of its agreeable coolness and smell [3] .
[3] Idem.
[e] These fulfil their vow, &c.] It is related that Hasan and Hosein, Mohammed’s grandchildren, on a certain time being both sick, the prophet, among others, visited them, and they wished Ali to make some vow to God for the recovery of his sons: whereupon Ali, and Fâtema, and Fidda, their maid-servant, vowed a fast of three days in case they did well; as it happened they did. This vow was performed with so great strictness, that the first day, having no provisions in the house, Ali was obliged to borrow three measures of barley of one Simeon, a Jew, of Khaibar, one measure of which Fatema ground the same day, and baked five cakes of the meal, and they were set before them to break their fast with after sunset: but a poor man coming to them, they gave all their bread to him, and passed the night without tasting anything except water. The next day Fâtema made another measure into bread, for the same purpose; but an orphan begging some food, they chose to let him have it, and passed that night as the first; and the third day they likewise gave their whole provision to a famished captive. Upon this occasion Gabriel descended with the chapter, before us, and told Mohammed that God congratulated him on the virtues of his family [1] .
[1] Idem.
[a] They shall see therein neither sun nor moon;] Because they shall not need the light of either [2] . The word Zamharîr, here translated moon, properly signifies extreme cold: for which reason some understand the meaning of the passage to be, that in paradise there shall be felt no excess either of heat or of cold.
[2] See Revel, xxi, 23.
[b] Zenjebil;] The word signifies ginger, which the Arabs delight to mix with the water they drink; and therefore the water of this fountain is supposed to have the taste of that spice [3] .
[3] Al Beidawi, Jallal.
[c] Salsabil;] Signifies water which flows gently and pleasantly down the throat.