THIS chapter is also a philippic against the enemies of Muhammad, who, hearing his pious ejaculations, spoke of him as a madman or as one possessed of an evil spirit. It is probable that some person is specially intended, as the commentators will have it, though the application of the chapter is also general.

Like chap. ii., there is mention of the righteous in speaking of future judgment. The

is about the same as that of the three preceding chapters.

Woes pronounced on slanderers and backbiters ... 1—4
Al Hutama described . . . 5—9

(1) Woe unto every slanderer and backbiter, (2) who heapeth up riches, and prepareth the same for the time to come! (3) He thinketh that his riches will render him

(1) Slanderer. "Alchnas Ibn Shuraik, or Waild Ibn al Mughaira, or Umaiya Ibn Khaff, who were guilty of slandering others, and especially the Prophet."— Sale, Baidháwi, &c.

immortal. (4) By no means. He shall surely be cast into Al Hutama. (5) And who shall cause thee to understand what Al Hutama is? (6) It is the kindled fire of GOD; (7) which shall mount above the hearts of those who shall be cast therein. (8) Verily it shall be as an arched vault above them (9) on columns of vast extent.

(4) Al Hutama. The name of one of the apartments of hell (Prelim. Disc., p. 148), which is so called because it will ‘break in pieces' whatever shall be thrown into it."— Sale.

(6) Kindled fire of God. "And therefore shall not be extinguished by any."— Sale, Baidháwi.

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