A caller on the last DL asked about something I have noted a few times in the past regarding the text of the Qur’an. As it would take a while to type all of this out, I will address it on the DL on Tuesday instead. But for now, in fulfillment of my promise to provide the information, here it is. The term I was referring to is saghara, which is found in both Surah 7:13 and Surah 9:29. Here are the contexts:
Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His apostle nor acknowledge the religion of truth (even if they are) of the People of the Book until they pay the Jizya with willing submission and feel themselves subdued (صَغِرُونَ). The Jews call Uzair a son of Allah and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah’s curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the truth! They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of Allah and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary; Yet they were commanded to worship but one Allah: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to him: (far is He) from having the parents they associate (with him). Fain would they extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths but Allah will not allow but that His light should be perfected even though the unbelievers may detest (it). (Surah 9:29-32)
11. It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels bow down to Adam, and they bowed down; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who bow down. 12. (God) said: “What prevented thee from bowing down when I commanded thee?” He said: “I am better than he: Thou didst create me from fire, and him from clay.” 13. (God) said: “Get thee down from this: it is not for thee to be arrogant here: get out, for thou art of the meanest (of creatures)” (ٱلصَّغِرِينَ).
14. He said: “Give me respite till the day they are raised up.” 15. (God) said: “Be thou among those who have respite.” 16. He said: “Because thou hast thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on thy straight way: 17. “Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: Nor wilt thou find, in most of them, gratitude (for thy mercies).” 18. (God) said: “Get out from this, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow thee,- Hell will I fill with you all. (Surah 7:11-18)
