batch.motif.islamic-koran-rodwell-gutenberg-l15076-l15223
---
record_id: batch.motif.islamic-koran-rodwell-gutenberg-l15076-l15223
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
passage_locator:
label: PUBLIC SERVICES, / AND EMINENT LITERARY ATTAINMENTS, / THE TRANSLATOR. /
PREFACE; lines 15076-15223
start: '15076'
end: '15223'
translation: The Koran (Al-Qur'an), Rodwell translation
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: The passage answers demands for a sign by asserting that signs belong to
God and that the sent-down Book is sufficient as mercy and warning. It warns disbelievers
of sudden punishment and Hell, contrasts this with gardens, palaces, and rivers
for believers who do righteous deeds, states that every soul will taste death
and return to God, presents God as creator, provider, sender of rain that revives
dead earth, and criticizes people who call on God at sea but associate partners
with Him after safe landing. It also notes a safe precinct, promises guidance
to those striving in God's ways, and begins Sura Lokman by describing the wise
Book as guidance and mercy for the righteous.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: A demand is reported for a sign to be sent down to the speaker from his Lord,
and the answer states that signs are in God's power alone.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: The Book sent down to be recited is presented as sufficient and as containing
mercy and warning for believers.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: Those who believe in vain things and disbelieve in God are described as lost.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:4
text: A fixed season delays punishment, but the punishment is said to come suddenly
and to overtake those who challenge it.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:5
text: Hell is described as surrounding the infidels, and punishment is described
as wrapping them from above and beneath their feet.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:6
text: God is reported as saying to the punished, 'Taste ye your own doings.'
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:7
text: Believing servants are told that God's earth is vast and are commanded to
worship God.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:8
text: Every soul is said to taste death and then return to God.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:9
text: Believers who do righteous deeds are promised lodging in gardens with palaces
beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:10
text: Animals that do not provide their own food are described as being fed by God,
as are humans.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:11
text: God is identified as creator of the heavens and earth and as the one who imposed
laws on the sun and moon.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:12
text: Rain sent from heaven is said to quicken the earth after it has been dead.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:13
text: The present life is called a pastime and disport, while the future mansion
is called life indeed.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: obs:14
text: People on shipboard call upon God with sincere worship, but after being brought
safely to land they join partners with Him.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: obs:15
text: A safe precinct is said to have been established while people around it are
being spoiled; a note identifies this precinct as Mecca.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: obs:16
text: Those who make efforts for God are promised guidance in God's ways, and God
is said to be with those who do righteous deeds.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- id: obs:17
text: The opening of Sura Lokman describes the verses or signs of the wise Book
as guidance and mercy for the righteous.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
- id: obs:18
text: The righteous are described as observing prayer, paying the impost, and believing
firmly in the life to come.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: God
description: The divine speaker and actor who controls signs, witnesses, knows heaven
and earth, sends down the Book, fixes punishment, judges, creates, provides, sends
rain, guides, and is with the righteous.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
- role:3
- role:4
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
- ev:10
- ev:11
- ev:15
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Addressed messenger or warner
description: The addressee is instructed to say that signs are in God's power and
that he is only a plain-spoken warner.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Wicked rejecters / infidels / those who disbelieve
description: People who reject signs, disbelieve in God, believe in vain things,
challenge punishment, and are associated with Hell.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Believers and righteous servants
description: Those who believe, patiently endure, trust their Lord, perform righteous
deeds, worship God, and are promised reward and guidance.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:8
- ev:15
- ev:16
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Every soul
description: All souls are described as tasting death and returning to God.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Animals that do not provide their own food
description: Animals unable to carry or provide their own food are described as
being fed by God.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: People on shipboard
description: People who call upon God sincerely while at sea and then associate
partners with Him after reaching land safely.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: The righteous in Sura Lokman opening
description: Those who observe prayer, pay the impost, and firmly believe in the
life to come.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
roles:
- id: role:1
label: holder of signs
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Signs are said to be in the power of God alone.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:2
label: judge and punisher
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God fixes the time of punishment and commands the punished to taste their
own doings.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: role:3
label: rewarder of the righteous
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God lodges believers who do righteous deeds in gardens with palaces and rivers.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:4
label: creator and cosmic governor
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God is identified as creator of heaven and earth and as governing sun and
moon.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: role:5
label: provider and life-giver
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God feeds animals and humans and sends rain that revives dead earth.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:11
- id: role:6
label: plain-spoken warner
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: The addressee is told to say he is only a plain-spoken warner.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:7
label: rejecters subject to punishment
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Rejecters and infidels are described as lost and surrounded by Hell.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: role:8
label: righteous recipients of guidance and reward
assigned_to:
- fig:4
- fig:8
basis: Believers and righteous persons are promised gardens, guidance, mercy, and
well-being.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:15
- ev:16
- id: role:9
label: mortal returner to God
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: Every soul tastes death and then returns to God.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:10
label: dependent creature fed by God
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: Animals that do not provide their own food are fed by God.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: role:11
label: crisis supplicant and post-rescue ingrate
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: People at sea invoke God sincerely but after safe landing join partners with
Him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: signs
literal_form: divine signs requested, rejected, and identified as in God's power
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:16
- id: sym:2
label: sent-down Book / wise Book
literal_form: Book recited to people; verses or signs of the wise Book
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:8
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:16
- id: sym:3
label: Hell surrounding the infidels
literal_form: Hell round about the infidels; punishment above and beneath their
feet
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: sym:4
label: gardens, palaces, and rivers
literal_form: gardens with palaces beneath which rivers flow
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: sym:5
label: vast earth
literal_form: God's vast Earth as a place where servants may worship
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:6
label: rain reviving dead earth
literal_form: rain from heaven quickening earth after it has been dead
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: sym:7
label: shipboard and safe landfall
literal_form: embarkation on shipboard, calling on God, and being brought safe to
land
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:7
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: sym:8
label: safe precinct
literal_form: a safe precinct established amid surrounding violence; translator
note identifies it as Mecca
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: sym:9
label: sun and moon under law
literal_form: sun and moon upon which God has imposed laws
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: sym:10
label: future mansion
literal_form: future mansion described as life indeed
associated_figures:
- fig:4
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Demand for a sign and answer of warning
summary: Opponents demand a sign from the Lord; the response states that signs belong
to God alone and that the messenger is only a plain-spoken warner.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: scene:2
label: Book as mercy and warning
summary: The sent-down Book recited to the people is presented as sufficient, merciful,
and warning-bearing for believers.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:4
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:3
label: Sudden judgment and enveloping punishment
summary: Those who demand hastened punishment are told that it is fixed for a season
but will overtake them suddenly; Hell and punishment surround them from every
direction, and God tells them to taste their deeds.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: scene:4
label: Death, return, and reward
summary: Every soul tastes death and returns to God, while believers who work righteousness
are lodged forever in gardens with palaces and flowing rivers.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:4
- fig:5
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
- sym:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:12
- id: scene:5
label: Provision, creation, and revival of earth
summary: God feeds dependent creatures and humans, creates the heavens and earth,
governs the sun and moon, lavishes or measures provision, and sends rain that
revives dead earth.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:6
- sym:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
- ev:11
- id: scene:6
label: Sea crisis and safe landing
summary: People at sea call upon God with sincere worship, but after God brings
them safely to land they associate partners with Him.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: scene:7
label: Safe precinct and idolatry question
summary: A safe precinct is contrasted with surrounding violence, and people are
questioned for believing in vain idols rather than acknowledging God's goodness.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: scene:8
label: Guidance for those who strive
summary: Those who make efforts for God are promised guidance in God's ways, and
God is said to be with righteous doers.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:4
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- id: scene:9
label: Opening of Sura Lokman
summary: The wise Book is described as guidance and mercy for the righteous, who
pray, pay the impost, and believe firmly in the life to come.
figure_refs:
- fig:8
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: Divine judgment by sudden and encompassing punishment
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
basis: The passage describes a fixed but sudden punishment, Hell surrounding the
infidels, punishment above and below, and God addressing the punished according
to their deeds.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
confidence: high
cautions: The passage is didactic rather than a developed narrative episode.
- id: motif:2
label: Death, return to God, and afterlife recompense
taxonomy_refs:
- resurrection
- afterlife_journey_map
- divine_judgment
basis: Every soul tastes death and returns to God; believers receive eternal gardens
with palaces and rivers, while disbelievers are assigned Hell.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:12
confidence: high
cautions: The passage states return and afterlife destinations but does not narrate
an individual journey through the afterlife.
- id: motif:3
label: Revivification of dead earth by heavenly rain
taxonomy_refs:
- death_rebirth
basis: Rain sent from heaven quickens earth after it has been dead.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage gives a natural-theological sign of divine power; any link
to broader death-rebirth symbolism should remain cautious.
- id: motif:4
label: Shipboard crisis prayer followed by post-rescue ingratitude
taxonomy_refs:
- ark_vessel
basis: People call on God sincerely while embarked on shipboard, but after safe
landing they associate partners with Him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
confidence: low
cautions: The vessel is an ordinary shipboard setting, not an ark or salvific vessel
narrative in the strict sense.
- id: motif:5
label: Revealed book as guidance, mercy, and warning
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
basis: The Book and wise Book are described as sent down, recited, and functioning
as mercy, warning, guidance, and mercy for the righteous.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:16
confidence: medium
cautions: The available taxonomy has no specific scripture/revelation motif family;
'wisdom' is a broad fit.
- id: motif:6
label: Sacred safe precinct amid surrounding danger
taxonomy_refs:
- world_center
basis: A safe precinct is said to be established while surrounding people are spoiled,
with a note identifying the precinct as Mecca.
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage identifies safety and locality but does not explicitly develop
a world-center cosmology.
- id: motif:7
label: Vast earth as refuge for worship
taxonomy_refs:
- departure
basis: Believing servants are told that God's earth is vast and are commanded to
worship Him; the translator note interprets this as finding places of refuge if
driven from their native city.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
confidence: medium
cautions: The motif depends partly on the translator's note and is not narrated
as an actual departure in this passage.
comparison_claims:
- id: claim:1
claim: The translator explicitly compares the statement that God feeds animals and
humans with Gospel sayings in Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:24.
claim_level: same_function
target: Biblical/Gospel motif of divine providence feeding creatures
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The comparison is supplied by Rodwell's note, not by the Qur'anic passage
itself; only a brief parallel in function is supported here.
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 15076-15083
quote_or_summary: The passage says only the wicked reject signs; when people ask
for a sign, the instructed reply is that signs are in God's power alone and the
speaker is only a plain-spoken warner.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 15084-15088
quote_or_summary: The Book sent down to be recited is presented as enough, containing
mercy and warning for believers; God is named as sufficient witness.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 15089-15092
quote_or_summary: God knows all in the heavens and earth, and those who believe
in vain things and disbelieve in God are called the lost ones.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 15093-15099
quote_or_summary: Those who challenge the messenger to hasten punishment are told
that a fixed season delays it, but it will come suddenly when they do not expect
it.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: quote
locator: lines 15100-15104
quote_or_summary: '"Hell shall be round about the infidels" and punishment shall
wrap them from above and beneath their feet; God will say, "Taste ye your own
doings."'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; short quotation.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 15105-15107 and note 14
quote_or_summary: Believing servants are told God's Earth is vast and to worship
God; the translator note explains this as a refuge for worship if driven from
the native city.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: quote
locator: lines 15108-15109
quote_or_summary: '"Every soul shall taste of death. Then to us shall ye return."'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; short quotation.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: lines 15110-15115
quote_or_summary: Believers who do righteous deeds are promised lodging in gardens
with palaces beneath which rivers flow, remaining there forever; the reward is
for those who labor, endure, and trust their Lord.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: lines 15116-15118 and note 15
quote_or_summary: Many animals do not provide or carry their own food; God feeds
them and humans and hears and knows all things.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: lines 15119-15125
quote_or_summary: When asked who created the heavens and earth and imposed laws
on sun and moon, the answer is God; God gives supplies as He pleases or by measure
and knows all things.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: lines 15126-15129
quote_or_summary: Rain is sent from heaven and by it God quickens the earth after
it has been dead.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:12
type: summary
locator: lines 15130-15132
quote_or_summary: The present life is called pastime and disport, while the future
mansion is called life indeed.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:13
type: summary
locator: lines 15133-15136
quote_or_summary: When people embark on shipboard they call on God with sincere
worship, but after He brings them safe to land they join partners with Him.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:14
type: summary
locator: lines 15141-15144 and note 16
quote_or_summary: A safe precinct is said to be established while surrounding people
are spoiled; the note identifies it as Mecca.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:15
type: summary
locator: lines 15149-15151
quote_or_summary: Whoever makes efforts for God will be guided in God's ways, and
God is with those who do righteous deeds.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:16
type: summary
locator: lines 15215-15223
quote_or_summary: Sura Lokman opens with Elif Lam Mim and describes the verses or
signs of the wise Book as guidance and mercy for the righteous, who pray, pay
the impost, and believe in the life to come.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; summarized.
- id: ev:17
type: citation
locator: note 15, lines 15190-15191
quote_or_summary: 'The translator''s note on animals not providing their own food
says: "Comp. Matth. vi. 26; Luke xii. 24."'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source text; short quotation from note.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: medium
notes: Extraction is based only on the supplied passage and notes. Motif labeling
is cautious because the passage is primarily exhortational and doctrinal rather
than mythic narrative. The single comparison claim depends on the translator's
explicit cross-reference.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-29'
notes: |-
No figures, comparisons, or taxonomy IDs were added beyond what is supported by the supplied passage and the provided available taxonomy references.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:islamic-koran-rodwell-gutenberg__l15076-l15223
passage_sha256=0be4f1647a44c653069f3eb34fff9ba1f7eea90e969efcc579840c294e2e6b10