THIS chapter so much resembles the one preceding it, that I have recorded all there that need be said. The date may also be regarded as the same.

(1) Say, I fly for refuge unto the LORD of men, (2) the king of men, (3) the GOD of men, (4) that he may deliver me from the mischief of the whisperer, who slyly with-

(1- 4) The whisperer, &c., i.e., "the devil, who withdraweth when a man mentioneth God, or hath recourse to his protection."— Sale.

The whisperers seem to have been evil spirits and men, judging by what follows.

See notes on the preceding chapter.

(5, 6) Evil suggestions. . from genii and men. This chapter shows that Muhammad felt himself to be in some manner specially moved by evil influences. More than once he offered up special prayer for protection against such; see chap. xxiii. 98. He attributed his mistakes to Satanic influences. See notes on chaps. xxii. 53, and liii. 19, 20. Other prophets are said to have been open to the evil suggestions of demons and men. See chaps. vi. I 12, and vi. 200, 201, also note and references at chap. iv. 116.

It should be observed that protection is also sought against the evil suggestions of men. He no doubt had in mind the suggestions of the aged Makkan chief Walid Ibn al Mughaira and others of his townsmen, who advised him to a compromise, whereby the true God

draweth, (5) who whispereth evil suggestions into the breasts of men; (6) from genii and men.

should be worshipped along with the gods of the Kaabah. These suggestions led to the lapse referred to in some of the passages noted above, and which left an impression upon Muhammad's mind ever afterwards.

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