THE KORAN
CHAPTER I
ENTITLED, THE PREFACE, OR INTRODUCTION;[1] REVEALED AT MECCA
IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD[2]
Praise be to God, the Lord of all creatures; the most merciful, the king of the day of judgment. Thee do we worship, and of thee do we beg assistance. Direct us in the right way, in the way of those to whom thou has been gracious; not of those against whom thou art incensed, nor of those who go astray.
CHAPTER II
ENTITLED, THE COW;[3] REVEALED PARTLY AT MECCA, AND PARTLY AT MEDINA
IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD
A. L. M. There is no doubt in this book; it is a direction to the pious, who believe in the mysteries of faith, who observe the appointed times of prayer, and distribute alms out of what we have bestowed on them; and who believe in that revelation, which hath been sent down unto thee, and that which hath been sent down unto the prophets, before
- ↑ In Arabic, al Fatihat. This chapter is a prayer, and held in great veneration by the Mohammedans, who give it several other honorable titles; as the chapter of "prayer," of "praise," or "thanksgiving," of "treasure," etc. They esteem it as the quintessence of the whole Koran, and often repeat it in their devotions, both public and private, as the Christians do the Lord's Prayer.
- ↑ This formula, called the Bismillah, is prefixed to all but one of the chapters of the Koran, and is used by the Arabs in opening most books.
- ↑ This title was occasioned by the story of the "red heifer," mentioned in the chapter.
