CHAP. LXXX.
Intitled, He Frowned; revealed at Mecca.
In the name of the most merciful God.
[a] The prophet frowned, and turned aside, because the blind man came unto him, &c.] This passage was revealed on the following occasion. A certain blind man, named Abdallah Ebn Omm Mactûm, came and interrupted Mohammed while he was engaged in earnest discourse with some of the principal Koreish, whose conversion he had hopes of; but the prophet taking no notice of him, the blind man, not knowing he was otherwise busied, raised his voice, and said, O apostle of God, teach me some part of what God hath taught thee: but Mohammed, vexed at this interruption, frowned and turned away from him; for which he is here reprehended. After this, whenever the prophet saw Ebn Omm Mactûm, he shewed him great respect, saying, The man is welcome, on whose account my Lord hath reprimanded me; and he made him twice governor of Medina. [1]
[1] Idem, Al Beidawi.
[b] Written in volumes honourable, exalted, and pure, &c. ] Being transcribed from the preserved table, highly honoured in the sight of God, kept pure and uncorrupted from the hands of evil spirits, and touched only by the angels. Some understand hereby the books of the prophets, with which the Korân agrees in substance [2] .
[2] Al Zamakh