96. The Clot (or Read!)

THESE 19 MECCAN verses form what is traditionally considered to be one of the very earliest portions of the Quran that was revealed to Muhammad. They are thrilling words through which God spoke directly to mankind. It is calculated that this incident occurred about the year 610 of the Christian era, or over a decade before the Hijra or eventual Transfer to Madina.

This chapter was revealed before The Pen 68 with which it is connected in mood and message, and after The Man Wearing a Cloak 74 (which SEE). These chapters recognize the fact that the art of reading or literacy forms the basis for civilized life and culture. The Muslims' respect for it helped to build up the Islamic commonwealth later on which held off the West European middle ages from much of Africa and Asia.

The latter half of this chapter shows a subtle though quite apparent change in mood which is directed against the Meccans' opposition to the Prophet's public prayers.

In the name of God, the Mercy-giving, the Merciful!

Muhammad's First Call

* READ in the name of your Lord Who creates,
* creates man from a clot!
*READ, for your Lord is most Generous;
* [it is He] Who teaches
by means of the pen,
** teaches man what he does not know.

* However man acts so arrogant,
* for he considers he is self-sufficient.
* Yet to your Lord will be the Return!

A Plea for Tolerance

* Have you seen someone who stops ** a worshipper as he prays? * Have you considered whether he is [looking] for guidance * or ordering heedfulness? Have you seen whether he has rejected [the message] and turned away?

* Does he not know that God sees [everything]? ** Of course not! Yet if he does not stop, We shall catch him by his forelock! * Such a lying, sinful forelock!

BOW DOWN HERE (Except for those in Authority)

* Let him appeal to his henchmen: * We shall appeal to the avenging [angels]. * Of course, do not obey him; bow down on your knees, and come closer!

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Published with authorization from Dr.T.B.Irving .