THE RISE OF MOHAMMEDANISM 173 ances given out by him from time to time as divine revela- tions, was put together two years after his death Sources in substantially the form that we possess to-day. concerning Some of its passages had been dictated and pre- served; others were supplied by his followers from mem- ory after his death. It contains about two thirds as many verses as the New Testament. From the eighth and ninth jenturies come Moslem biographies of Mohammed and collections of Moslem tradition. These are necessary to interpret the meaning of the Koran, which does not date the prophet's utterances or give them in the order of their delivery, but its chapters are arranged according to length. Inasmuch as some parts of the Koran enjoin what others forbid, it is important to know which passage was Moham- med's last word upon the point in question. Also the Koran is full of allusions to persons and things which were probably familiar enough at the time, but which require explanation for later readers. Mohammed came of a prominent family of Mecca, but was early left an orphan under an uncle's care. After suffer- ing some hardships from poverty, he became, p ersona ii tv when about twenty-five, the business agent of a of Moham- rich widow, whom he presently married upon his return from a successful commercial trip to Syria. He was of medium height, with a large head and broad shoul- ders; and was good-looking, with large black eyes, dark brows and lashes, long hair, and a full beard from which his white teeth flashed. His hand was soft and his health deli- cate. We are told that he disliked strong odors, dirty cloth- ing, and unkempt hair. He spent much time in fasts and vigils, was nervous and hysterical, often in low spirits, and subject to seizures in which he seemed to be in a violent fever. It was during these paroxysms that he was believed to be divinely inspired and that he indited portions of the Koran. He probably could not read or write arid lacked the common Arabian fondness for poetry. He was affectionate and hu- mane by nature, but persevering in gaining his ends. His enemies have accused him of gross passion, but his defend-
