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Quran · Surah 2:102

Harut and Marut at Babylon

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ReferenceSurah 2:102
Written610–632 CE
SetBabylon, ancient times
And that which was revealed to the two angels in Babel, Harut and Marut. Nor did they (the two angels) teach it to anyone till they had said: We are only a temptation, therefore disbelieve not.

Translation: Pickthall, 1930 · About the translator

Read it literally

Two visitors in Babylon who teach forbidden knowledge with a warning label. The Quran's version of the Watchers.

What scholars say

Later commentators tell a story of two angels sent to earth who fell into sin, close to the Watchers.

From the sky Looks like technology
People and places hereBabylon

Quick answers about Surah 2:102

Where is Surah 2:102 found?

Surah 2:102 (Quran). Translation quoted: Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran (1930).

When was Surah 2:102 written?

610–632 CE.

What do scholars say about Surah 2:102?

Later commentators tell a story of two angels sent to earth who fell into sin, close to the Watchers.

Files in this passage

BeingHarut and MarutTwo angels taught magic in Babylon, but only after warning every student, "We are only a temptation." The Quran's verse is short; later commentators added a woman who tricked them, and in one legend she used a secret word to fly to heaven and became the planet Venus. Which parts are scripture?BeingThe Watchers (Grigori)The story says some angels who never sleep came down to a real mountain summit, picked up human wives, and taught people metalworking, spells and astronomy. Their leaders are named, each in charge of ten others. The same word shows up in the Book of Daniel as a heavenly council. So who exactly were the Watchers?

Sources

  1. Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran (1930)Primary text
  2. Quran 2:102, trans. Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran (1930)Primary text
  3. 1 Enoch 6–8, trans. R. H. Charles, The Book of Enoch (1917)Primary text

Scholarly dates are rounded. The wording follows the named public-domain translation.

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