22: pilgrimage
this chapter of ten sections contains
78 verses from madina except for vv. 52-5 5
(in section vii), which were revealed on the road between mecca and madina
during the prophet's hijra or transfer to the latter city in the year 622
a. d. it
comes after light 24 in the order of revelation, and before hypocrites
63.
the first section contains a beautiful description of how each individual
is
created. it then proceeds to the matter of the pilgrimage the sin of association,
and polytheism (vi). self-defence is permitted muslims (vi) and the matter
of
retaliation is discussed (viii). the chapter ends with the parable of the
fly
(x) and an impassioned plea for sincere worship.