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Camel

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The name of Mahomet’s favourite camel was Al Kaswa. The mosque at Koba covers the spot where it knelt when Mahomet fled from Mecca. Mahomet considered the kneeling of the camel as a sign sent by God, and remained at Koba in safety for four days. The swiftest of his camels was Al Adha.

Camel. The prophet Mahomet’s camel performed the whole journey from Jerusalem to Mecca in four bounds, for which service he had a place in heaven with Alborak (the prophet’s “horse”), Balaam’s ass, Tobit’s dog, and Ketmir (the dog of the seven sleepers). (Curzon.)

Camel. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matt. xix. 24). In the Koran we find a similar expression: “The impious shall find the gates of heaven shut; nor shall he enter till a camel shall pass through the eye of a needle.” In the Rabbinical writings we have a slight variety which goes to prove that the word “camel” should not be changed into “cable,” as Theophylact suggests: “Perhaps thou art one of the Pampedithʹians, who can make an elephant pass through the eye of a needle.” (See Cable.)

“It is as hard to come, as for a camel

To thread the postern of a needle’s eye.”


Shakespeare: Richard II., v. 5.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Cambalo’s Ring
Cambel
Camber
Cambria
Cambrian
Cambrian Series (in geology)
Cambric
Cambuscan
Cambyses
Camden Society
Camel
Camellia
Camelot (Somersetshire)
Camelote
Cameo
Cameron Highlanders
Cameronian Regiment
Cameronians
Camilla
Camillus
Camisard

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Borak
Cable’s Length