Sura 27

1. See Sura lxviii., n.

2. Not really leprous.

3. Lit. when our visible signs came to them.

4. This tradition may be derived from 1 Kings iv. 33. Comp. Geiger, p. 185. The legend of Solomon’s power over the Genii originates in a mistranslation of EccI. ii. 8. Comp. also for other points in this story Prov. vi. 6; 1 Kings x. 1-10.

5. “Demons obeyed him (Solomon) . . . and evil spirits were subjected to him.” Targ. 2. on Esther 1, 2. From the same source Muhammad has adopted, with slight variations, the whole story of Solomon’s intercourse with the Queen of Saba. Comp. also Tr. Gittin, fol. 68, and Midr. Jalkut on 1 Kings vi. ch. 182.

6. Lit. unless ye bear me witness.

7. That is, malignant. “The efreets are generally believed to differ from the other djinn in being very powerful and always malicious; but to be in other respects of a similar nature” (Lane’s Modern Egyptians, i. 285). “The ghosts of dead persons are also called by this name” (ib. 289).

8. Or, before thy glance can be withdrawn from an object.

9. Lit. we have consulted the flight of birds: hence presage.

10. Lit. your bird, augury.

11. Comp. Sura xxv. 55.

12. Lit. their knowledge attaineth to the next life.

13. Lit. art on clear truth.

14. Al Jassaca, the Spy.

15. Or, shall derive advantage from them.