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268
SHAYAST LÂ-SHAYAST.
connected it is allowable, and when separated it is not allowable. 88. Afarg’ said it is allowable to drag it below through the water, but to drag it over is not allowable, for this has come on the water as a danger ?, and that has not come on it as a danger. 89. Medôk-mâh' said it is allowable to drag it above, but to drag it below is not allowable, for the danger has gone out across the water, and the danger is not now to be brought upon it; and on that which is below, on which the danger has not come, the danger will at last arrive.
90. When he goes into the water he is to go into it with this idea, that'should there be many below, then I will even bring all;' for whoever goes in not with this idea, and shall disturb any other one which lies there, will become polluted % 91. And if the corpse be heavy and it is not possible to bring it out by one person, and he goes out with this idea, that 'I will go and prepare means, and bring this corpse out of the water ;' and when through sinfulness * he does not go back his body is polluted and worthy of
See Chap. I, 3. • Or 'fear.' The difference of opinion between the two commentators on this question in casuistry, appears to have arisen from Afarg regarding the water merely as the representative of a spirit, who might be endangered or frightened by the source of impurity becoming more visible when above the water, while Médők-mah considered the water in its material aspect, and wished to save it from the further pollution consequent upon drawing the corpse through more of it.
See Pahl. Vend. VI, 64. • These rules generally distinguish clearly between offences committed through sinfulness,' that is, wilfully, and those arising from accidental inability; more stress being laid upon the intention than upon the action.
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