At this point I would like to alter course. There is only so much ugliness one can endure without a break. So rather than dissect the remainder of the early Meccan revelations in their entirety, I'm going to provide a "Best of Muhammad" by subject. But first, a Maududi introduction: "These surahs were sent down when persecution of Muslims was near its climax. Their theme was to warn the disbelievers of the evil consequences of the persecution and tyranny that they were perpetrating on the converts to Islam, and to console believers. If Muslims remain firm and steadfast against tyranny and coercion, they will be rewarded richly for it." Islamic logic is funny, in a twisted sort of way. While mocking the self-proclaimed prophet could hardly be called "tyranny," today's most coercive and tyrannical nations are Islamic. They have become what they detested. As with the child abuse that gave rise to Islam, Muslims have come full circle - the abused have become the abusers. Even Maududi seems to agree: "'Allah will avenge Himself on those who persecute you by burning the unbelievers to death and casting them into pits full of fire.' The disbelievers will not only be punished in Hell for their disbelief but, more than that, they will suffer punishment by fire as a fit recompense for their tyranny and cruelties. 'Allah's grip is very severe.' If you are proud of your strength, you should know that Pharaoh and Thamud were stronger and more numerous. Therefore, you should learn a lesson from the fate they met. Allah's power has so encompassed you that you cannot escape His encirclement, and the Qur'an that you are bent upon belying is unchangeable: 'It is inscribed in the Preserved Tablet, which cannot be corrupted in any way'" ...although it does a world-class job of corrupting. The themes that follow are Muhammad's favorites. We'll start with a sampling of how the Islamic deity responded to those who challenged his prophet's credentials. Qur'an 85:10 "Those who try or tempt the believers will have the penalty of Hell: They will have the doom of the burning fire. Verily, the Seizure of the Lord is severe and painful.... Allah will encompass them from behind! He will punish them. Nay! This is a Glorious Qur'an." With the mockers warned, it was time to terrorize them. Qur'an 85:1 "I swear by the Zodiacal Signs, woe to the makers of the pit of fire. Cursed were the people of the Ditch." Qur'an 85:5 "The Fire is supplied abundantly with fuel." The Hell Fire is Allah's resort for the rebellious - it's for those who don't surrender. To avoid this hellish doom, submit to Muhammad and obey him. A drunken brothel shall be your just dessert. Qur'an 85:11 "For those who believe and do good deeds will be Gardens; the fulfillment of all desires." Muhammad not only created god in his image, he crafted a paradise that mirrored his fantasies. It was filled with thrones, free-flowing wine, perpetual virgins, ever voluptuous. And there were no mockers - "never was heard vain discourse, nor lying." And that I suppose would eliminate recitals of the Qur'an. Paradise indeed.
(85:21) "A Scripture Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail; a Qur'an in Arabic." |
