henceforward and for ever.' The olive stands for Islam, for as the olive
produces oil for light, so Islam is the light of the nations. This is a good
illustration of the author's vivid imagination and is opposed to all accepted
interpretations.
A little later on we have in Sura At-Tur (lii) :—
By the mountain
And by the Book written,
On an outspread roll
And by the frequented house. 1-4.
In this way, in the early part of his Meccan career, the Prophet praised and
honoured a place dear to the Meccans.
Then follows an appeal of a different description an appeal to the lower
instincts of human nature. The delights of heaven, the bridal couches, the
choice wines, the perfume of musk are now pourtrayed for the encouragement of
the dispirited band of the faithful, one of whose chief delights in Paradise
will be to lie on these bridal couches and laugh the infidels to scorn; a
passage explained by some commentators thus: 'A door will be opened between
heaven and hell and the damned will be called to the open door; they will run
with the alacrity of hope, but just as they get to it, it will be shut in their
faces and the saved, enjoying the carnal pleasures of Paradise, will add to
their joy by laughing heartily at the sad disappointment of the lost.' At this
period, the most graphic descriptions are given of heaven and hell, not only to
support the courage of the early Muslims under their trials, but also to terrify
their opponents. The joys of Paradise are rest and ease, robes of silken
