Muhammad: The HijraSura 31Sura 31Sura 31Sura 31 opens with mysterious letters, which are said to be the signs of the
wise Book. The vv. 2f describe the Book as a guidance for those who
practice good (works), pray, give alms and believe in the Resurrection. The
identity of the person referred to in the vv. 5f, who is said to buy vain
stories, was a matter of speculation for later Qur'an commentators. The^166
vv. 7f describe the reward of those who believe and practice good (works),
and the vv. 9f speak of God's Creation and provision. The vv. 11f tell about
Luqman, which narrative is abruptly interrupted by the sub^167 ject of
honoring one's parents in the vv. 13-14. The story of Luqman c^168 ontinues
in the vv. 15f, and v. 15 is thought to be missing some text. The vv^169. 19f
reproduce some of Muhammad's discussions with pagans, and v. 26 is
similar to Qur'an 18:109. The vv. 27f speak of God's signs, and v^170. 34 of
His knowledge. The v. 31 of this sura is similar to a Talmud passage.^171
Qur'an 42Qur'an 42Qur'an 42Qur'an 42 begins with mysterious letters, and there was apparently a
discrepancy about these in the codices of Ibn Masud, and IbnA^172 bbas.^173
The vv. 1f describe God in praise, and v. 3 deals with the ministry of
angels. The v. 5 indicates that the Qur'an was given to warn "the mother of
cities," (Mecca) and those surrounding it, v. 6 speaks of predestination, and
v. 7 presents God as protector. In the vv. 9f God is shown to be the Creator
and Provider, and the vv. 11f depict God as having given (Muslims) the
same faith as He gave Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Not only is this
latter list in chronological order, but the names of the "Arabian" prophets
are missing. This in turn seems to show that Muhammad was in closer
contact with Christians, and possibly Jews also, at the time this verse was
composed. The v. 13 speaks of division among the (religious) g^174 roups,
v. 14 gives a sermon of Muhammad, v. 15 concerns those who argue about
God, and v. 16 declares that God sent "the Book." The vv. 18f describe
God's provision, and v. 20 speaks of polytheism and Judgment. In v. 22
Muhammad is to say that he does not seek a wage, but rather the^175 love of
relatives. The v. 23 gives an accusation of the pagans, the vv. 24f speak of
believers and unbelievers, and the vv. 27f tell of God's provision and signs.
The vv. 34f return to the subject of believers and unbelievers, and v. 38
presents Allah as not loving the unrighteous. The vv. 42 and 45 are
concerned with predestination, and the vv. 48f show God as Creator and
Predestinator. Several verses in this sura are similar to Bible passages.^176