J. F. Campbell Collection > Koran: or, Alcoran of Mohammed

CHAP. XXII. AL KORAN. 277
been read unto you, m former passages of tlie Kordn, to he forbidden.
But depart from the abomination of idols, and avoid speaking that which
is false:' being orthodox in respect to God, associating no other god with
him; for whoever a-^sociateth any other with God is like that which
falleth from heaven, and which the birds snatch away, or the wind bloweth
to a fir distant place.'^ This is so. And whoso maketh valuable offerings
unto GoD,^ verily they proceed from the piety of mens hearts. Ye receive
various advantages from the cattle designed for sacrifices, until a determined
timeybr slaying them : then the place of sacrificing them is at the ancient
house. Unto the professors of every religion™ have we apjiointed certain
rites, that they may commemorate the name of God on slaying the brute
cattle wliich he hath provided for them. Your GoD is one GoD : wherefore
resign yourselves wholly unto him. And do tliou bear good tidings unto
those who Immble themselves; whose hearts, when mention is made of
God, are struck with fear ; and unto those who patiently endure that which
befalleth them; and who duly perform their prayers, and give alms out of
what we have bestowed on them. The camels slain for sacrifice have we
appointed for you as symbols of your obedience unto God : ye also receive
other advantages from tliem. "Wherefore commemorate the name of God
over them, when ye slaythevi, standing on their feet disposed in right order : ^
and when they are fallen down dead, eat of them ; and give to eat thereof
both unto him who is content with what is given him, without ashing, and
unto him who asketh." Thus have we given you dominion over them, that
ye mi^ht return us thanks. Their flesh is not accepted of God, neither
their blood; but your piety is accepted of liim. Thus have we given you
dominion over them, that ye might magnify God, for the revelafio7is whereby
he hath directed you. And bear good tidings unto the righteous, tliat God
will reitelthe ill designs of the in/idels from the true believers; fovGooloveth
not every perfidious unbeliever.* Permission is granted unto those who
Either hy asserting wrong and impious things of the Deity; or bearing false
witness against your neighbours,
^ Because he wlio falls into idolatry, sinketh from the height of faith into the
depth of infidelity, has his thoughts distracted by wicked lusts, and is hurried by
the devil into the most absurd errors.*
' By choosing a well-favoured and costly victim in honour of him to whom it is
destined. They say Mohammed once offered a hundred fat camels, and among
them one which had oelonged to Abu Jahl, having in his nose a ring of gold : and
that Omar offered a noble camel, for which he had been bid three hundred dinars.''
The original may also be translated generally, IVhoso regnrdeth the rites of the
pilgrimaye, &c. But the victims seem to be more particularly intended in this
place.
" Jallalo'ddin understands this passage in a restrained sense, of the former na-
tions who were true believers; to whom God appointed a sacrifice, and a fixed
place and proper ceremonies for the offering of it.
" 'J hat is, as some expound./the word, standing on three feet, having one of their
fore feet tied up, which is the manner of tying camels to prevent their moving from
the place. Some copies instead of sawdffa read sawdjfena, from the verb safana,
which properly signifies the posture of a horse when "he stands on three feet, the
edge of the founh only touching the ground.
" Or, as the words may also be rendered. Unto him who asketh in a modest and
bumble manner, and unto him who wanteth but darelh not ask.
'^ "Announce happiness to those who exercise beneficence. God will destro7
k
« Al Beidawi. 7 idem.