The Holy War — Page 278
278 there is the confirmation of the same God, and so it is not just that Dhul-Qarnain found this to be so. This makes it clear that you cannot rebut this objection. This is not a question of idiom, but—in fact—this is against the normal use of idiom that the sun set in a stream of marshy water, because apparently no such idiom of any language or place has ever been that the sun sets in some marshy stream. However, the general idiom is that the sun rises and the sun sets; and not the phrase that you mention. And those matters that apparently manifest themselves in some form are given expression to in that same metaphorical form. For instance, when it is said that a plate of rice was eaten, every- one understands a plate full of rice was eaten without leaving any- thing, or it is said that the gutters are running or that the well is sweet or bitter. These are also such idioms that are in general use. Similarly, when it is said that the Queen of Sheba came from the end of the earth, it clearly means that she came from the other end of the land which was on the other side of Palestine. What link is there to geography and geometry in this? These examples that you give, sir, will not bring into being the marshy stream for the sun to set into. The earth being still is also commonly understood and people do not take exception to it, and the Word of God is for the people. 9. What an excellent interpretation you have expressed about the days in Greenland and Iceland, and that example of pregnancy that you have applied to this is even better! It is astonishing for me how far you stray, deviating from the text. In the text of the Quran, it is written that you should fast from the white streak of the morn- ing to the appearance of a black streak in the evening. Now, both of these streaks do not exist in these countries, and the example of pregnancy that you have cited, the period has been established by us and not in any Holy Book. 10. You, sir, say that ‘goodness’ is not an attribute; thus, when a person who is not being called to account, does not deserve any