CHAP. XC.
Intitled, The Territory; revealed at Mecca.
In the name of the most merciful God.
[a] I swear;] Or, I will not swear, &c. See chap. 56. p. 436. not. f.
[b] The territory;] Viz. The sacred territory of Mecca.
[c] And thou residest in this territory;] Or, Thou shalt be allowed to do what thou pleasest in this territory; the words, in this sense, importing a promise of that absolute power which Mohammed attained, on the taking of Mecca. [1]
[1] Idem.
[d] By the begetter, and that which he hath begotten;] Some understand these words generally; others of Adam or Abraham, and of their offspring, and of Mohammed in particular [2] .
[2] Idem.
[e] We have created man in misery;] Or, to trouble. This passage was revealed to comfort the prophet under the persecutions of the Koreish. [3]
[3] Idem.
[a] Doth he think that none shall prevail over him? Some expositors take a particular person to be here intended, who was one of Mohammed’s most inveterate adversaries; as Al Walid Ebn al Mogheira [1] ; others suppose Abu’l Ashadd Ebn Calda to be the man, who was so very strong, that a large skin being spread under his feet, and ten men pulling at it, they could not make him fall, tho’ they tore the skin to pieces [2] .
[1] Al Zamakh.
[2] Al Beidawi.
[b] I have wasted plenty of riches;] In a vain and ostentatious manner; or, in opposing of Mohammed [3] .
[3] Idem.
[c] See chap. 56. p. 434.
[d] See ibid.