THIS chapter contains the reply of Muhammad to certain of the Quraish who proposed a compromise between Islam and. the ancient religion of Makkah, whereby he would concede to their gods an honourable place. Probably the occasion was like that of the lapse described in the notes on chap. xxii. 53.

Noëldeke places this chapter near the end of the first period of Muhammad's Makkan ministry, because it predicates a time when the Prophet could have had disputes with the idolaters, and a time after which they could have come to him with an offer of compromise. The date would therefore be about the fourth or fifth year of the Call.

Muhammad declines to compromise with idolatry ... 1-6

(1) Say: O unbelievers, (2) I will not worship that which ye worship; (3) nor will ye worship that which I

(1) O unbelievers. "It is said that certain of the Quraish once proposed to Muhammad, that if he would worship their gods for a

worship. (4) Neither do I worship that which ye worship; (5) neither do ye worship that which I worship. (6) Ye have your religion, and I my religion.

year, they would worship his God for the same space of time; upon which this chapter was revealed."— Sale.

(2 - 6) "These verses," says Muir, "breathe a spirit of uncompromising hostility to idolatry." - Life of Mahomet, vol. ii. p. 141.

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