Note 4 — SHEDDAD’S PALACE OF IREM.
Reading edition
The Koran has this reference to the Palace of Irem, showing that it was already a tradition before the time of Mohammed:
“Hast thou not considered how the Lord dealt with Ad, the people of Irem, adorned by lofty buildings, the like whereof hath not been erected in the land?” (Surah 89; “The Daybreak.”)
That Sheddad, having planted a garden in imitation of the heavenly paradise, had been smitten by lightning on his way hither, is another variation of the widely known legend. [Back]