Untitled

MIRACULOUS ELOQUENCE OF THE QUR>N '^5
things is comprised the
1
essence of kfngship. But when Atmatigin
saw a clear field, he turned his hand 'to
oppressioji, and began
to levy contributions on Bukhara. .So several of the people of
Bukhara went as a deputation to Barskhan to seek redress. Tbe
Gur-Khan, when he heard this, wro^e a letter to Atmatigin
[beginning]
"
In the Name of Go$ the Merciful the Clement. *
in the Muslim fashion : *
Let Atmatigin
know that although far distance separates us, our approval and
displeasure are near at hand. Let Atmatigin do that which
[ Tdju 'l-Isldni} Ahmad commands, and Ahmad that which [the
Prophet] Muhammad commands. Farewell."
^> Again and again we have considered this and reflected on it.
A thousand* volumes or even* more might be written to enlarge
oh this letter, yet its purport is extremely plain and clear, needing
no explanation. Seldom have (rr) I seen anything like it.
ANECDOTE X.
The extreme eloquence of the Qur'an lies in its concision of
words and inimitable presentation of ideas; and such citations as
those above given which have occurred to orators and eloquent
writers are of a kind to inspire awe, so that the wise and eloquent
man is moved from his [former] mental attitude. And this is a
clea/ proof and trenchant argument to establish the fact that this
Word did not proceed from the mouth of any created being, nor
originate from any [human] lips or tongue, but that the stamp of
Eternity is impressed on its prescriptions and sentences.
It is related that one of the Muslims was reciting before
.Wali'd ibnu '1-Mughira this verse: "And it was said, 'O Eartji,
: and the
'
gulp down thy waters, and O Heaven, draw them up
water abated. Thus was the matter effected. And it the [i.e. Ark]
rested upon MountJudi*" "By God," said Wali'd ibrsu '1-Mughira,
"
yerily it hath beauty and sweetness ; its highest part is fruitful,
and its lowest part-is luxuriant; nor is it the word of man!" When
even enemies reached on the plane of equity such a level of
enthusiasm concerning the eloquence of the Qur'an and its
miraculous quality, see to whatjdegree friends will attain.
>
ANECDOTE XI.
It was formerly customary with the kings of old time and the
autocrats of ^past ages, such as the Pishdadf, Kayani and Sasanian
monarchs and the Caliphs, to vaunt themselves and compete
!>rth oti another both in justice and erudition, and with every
ambassadoc whom they despatched they used to send wise sayings,
1
Qur'dtt, xi, 46.
*