Many of the verses in which this truth is stated are very grand. For instance in Surah XX., vv. 4—7[5-8], we read: "The Merciful One¹ is firmly seated upon the Throne (or above the Highest Heaven). To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth and whatever is between them both and whatever is under the soil. And if thou speakest aloud with (thy) voice, then indeed He knoweth the secret and what is most hidden. GOD, there is no God but He, to Him belong the most excellent names."

The "Verse of the Throne," as it is called, in the second Surah runs as follows:

Verse of the Throne.

"GOD,² there is no God but He, the Living, the Eternal. Slumber seizeth Him not, nor sleep. To Him belongeth whatever there is in the heavens and what is in the earth. Who is it that intercedeth with Him except by His permission? He knoweth what was

before them and what will be after them, nor shall they comprehend any portion of His knowledge, except what He hath willed. His throne encompasseth the heavens and the earth, nor doth the guardianship of them both burden Him. And He is the Exalted, the Mighty One."

The first Surah, which is called Suratu fatihatu'l Kitab ("the chapter

First Surah.

which opens the Book"), occupies among Muslims almost the same position that the Lord's Prayer does with us, being by them repeated frequently in their devotions. It runs thus:—"Praise¹ be to GOD, the Lord of the worlds, the Merciful, the Gracious, Lord of the Day of Judgment. Thee we adore and Thee we ask for aid. Guide us in the right way, the way of those to whom Thou art gracious, not that of those with whom Thou art angry, nor of those who go astray."

Names of GOD.

The Attributes of GOD are acknowledged by assigning to Him ninety-nine Names² or Titles, among which some of the