Note 489 — Chapter XXXIV · THE PLOT RIPENS. CONSPIRATORS ATTACK MEDINA. DEATH OF OTHMAN. A.H. XXXV. A.D. 656.
Reading edition
The blood, we are told, flowed down the leaves just touching these words: ‘If they rebel, surely they are schismatics; thy Lord will swiftly avenge you.’ (Sura ii. v. 138.) The appropriateness of the text, however, may of itself have suggested the story.
When the insurgents first rushed in, he was at the moment reading the appropriate passage in Sura iii. v. 174. Referring to the battle of Ohod, and the danger in which Medîna was then placed, the disaffected citizens are there represented as taunting Mahomet and his followers in these words: ‘Verily, the men (of Mecca) have gathered forces against you; wherefore, be afraid of the same. But (the taunt) only increased their faith, and they said: The Lord sufficeth for us; He is the best Protector.’ This was a favourite text of Othmân’s, and he may perhaps have turned to it for comfort now that vain was the help of man.