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110
THE KORAN.

head is predestination or rather fatalism of the worst species, "No soul can die unless by the permission of God, according to what is written in the book, containing the determination of all things[1]." Again, "no accident happeneth on the earth or on your persons, but the same was entered into the book of our decrees before we created it: verily this is easy with God: and this is written lest ye immoderately grieve for the good which escapeth you, or rejoice for that which happeneth unto you[2]."

This doctrine was one of the main springs of Mohammed's system, teaching his followers that they were unable to avoid destiny, which was unalterably fixed; their fate being predestined with all its attendant circumstances, rendered them reckless of danger, and passive instruments of his will.

  1. See Koran, chapter 3, entitled the Family of Imram.
  2. See Koran, chapter 57, entitled Iron.