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254
THE QUR'ÂN.
LIII, 46-LIV, 1.
and female, from a clot when it is emitted; and that for Him is the next production1; and that he enriches and gives possession; [50] and that He is the Lord of the Dog-star2, and that He it was who destroyed 'Âd of yore, and Thamûd, and left none of them; and the people of Noah before them,— verily, they were most unjust and outrageous!
And the overthrown (cities)3 He threw down; [55] and there covered them what did cover them! Which then of your Lord's benefits do ye dispute?
This is a warner, one of the warners of yore! The approaching day approaches; there is none to discover it but God.
At this new discourse then do ye wonder? [60] and do ye laugh and not weep? and ye divert yourselves the while!
But adore God and serve (Him)*.
THE CHAPTER OF THE MOON.
(LIV. Mecca.)
IN the name of the merciful and compassionate God.
The Hour draws nigh, and the moon is split
1 I. e. the resurrection.
2 Sirius, or the Dog-star, was an object of worship amongst the ancient Arabs.
9 Sodom, Gomorrah, &c.
* At this verse the Qurâis, who were present at the first reading of this chapter when their gods were spoken well of, fell down adoring with Mohammed. See Introduction, p. xxxii.
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