122 Notice of a copy of the fourth volume [No. 2. 



It will be observed that there is a contradiction in this tradition. In 

 the first part it is stated that the angel Gabriel appeared to Moham- 

 mad several times and spoke to him. Then follows an account in 

 Mohammad's own words from which it would appear, that he saw 

 Gabriel only once, and that he did not speak with him. The latter 

 statement agrees with the Qoran 81, 23. Instead of the statement 

 in the first part of this tradition, we read in other accounts as often as 

 Mohammad was on the point of throwing himself down a precipice, an 

 invisible power kept him back. 



This apparition of the angel and the fit by which it was followed 

 ended the intermission of revelations, and henceforth we are told, in 

 the tradition of Jabir, just alluded to, one revelation followed another. 



This period in the life of Mohammad, is by far the most interesting, 

 yet nothing has been done by orientalists towards illustrating it from 

 original sources. I do not call the Tarykh Khamys or Abulfida or the 

 Insan-aloyiin, nor the 'Oyiin-alathr original sources, though the latter 

 consists almost entirely of traditions and is very valuable. I may there- 

 fore be excused, if I add here the resume of the preceding observations. 



1. Mohammad had dreams of a religious character. It is said 

 this period lasted six months, and as his prophetic career lasted in all 

 twenty years in round numbers, therefore the Musulmans say, that such 

 dreams are the fortieth part of prophecy. 



2. He loved solitude and performed ascetic exercises, on mount 

 Hira in conformity with the habits and rites of his pagan fathers. 



3. Soon after he had attained forty years of age, he had a dream in 

 which he was ordered to read, and this is considered as the first revela- 

 tion, but he did not immediately assume his oifice. This is called the 

 beginning of the nabiiwat. 



4. The intermission of revelations takes place, which lasted two 

 years and a half. During this time, we have good reasons to believe 

 he prepared himself for his office. 



5. It was during this period, that Waraqah declared that Mohammad 

 was not insane, nor possessed by evil spirits but that he was a prophet. 



6. The angel appears to him and prevents him from committing 

 suicide ; he has a fit and declares himself a prophet. This is called 

 the beginning of the risalat. For a further illustration I refer the reader 

 to my life of Mohammad, pp. 94 to 112. 



