Friday, May 30, 2008

Muhammad Announces the Sword as an Instrument of Faith

For thirteen long years, Muhammad had depended on argument and persuasion to make proselytes, to convert people to the faith. This was about to change.

From Washinton Irving’s sublime book, Mohammed, I have discovered just a few paragraphs which, in my opinion, encapsulate the problems we face with Islam – not Islamism*! – today, for in these relatively few words, Washington Irving shows us exactly the true nature of this religion of the sword. If Muhammad himself stated categorically and unequivocally that the sword was to be considered an ‘instrument of faith’, then who are we to argue? - ©Mark


His exhortations to them to bear with patience and long-suffering the violence of their enemies almost emulated the meek precept of our Saviour, ‘if they smite thee on the one cheek, turn to them the other also.’ He now arrived at a point where he completely diverged from the celestial spirit of the Christian doctrines, and stamped his religion with the alloy of fallible mortality. His human nature was not capable of maintaining the sublime forbearance he had hitherto inculcated. Thirteen years of meek endurance had been rewarded by nothing but aggravated injury and insult. His greatest persecutors had been those of his own tribe, the Koreishites, especially those of the rival line of Abd Shems; whose vindictive chief, Abu Sofian, had now the sway of Mecca. By their virulent hostility his fortunes had been blasted; his family degraded, impoverished, and dispersed, and he himself driven into exile. […] He had come to Medina, a fugitive seeking asylum, and craving merely a quiet home. In a little while, and probably to his own surprise, he found an army at his command; for among the many converts daily made in Medina – the fugitives flocking to him from Mecca, and proselytes from the tribes of the desert – were men of resolute spirit, skilled in the use of arms, and fond of partisan warfare. Human passions and mortal resentments were awakened by this sudden accession of power. They mingled with that zeal for religious reform, which was still his predominant motive. In the exaltations of his enthusiastic spirit he endeavoured to persuade himself, and perhaps did so effectually, that the power thus placed within his reach was intended as a means of effecting his great purpose, and that he was called upon by divine command to use it. Such, at least, is the purport of the memorable manifesto which he issued at this epoch, and which changed the whole tone and fortunes of his faith.
Different prophets [said he] have been sent by God to illustrate his different attributes: Moses his clemency and providence; Solomon his wisdom, majesty, and glory; Jesus Christ his righteousness, omniscience, and power – his righteousness by purity of conduct; his omniscience by the knowledge he displayed of the secrets of all hearts; his power by the miracles he wrought. None of these attributes, however, have been sufficient to enforce conviction, and even the miracles of Moses and Jesus have been treated with unbelief. I, therefore, the last of the prophets, am sent with the sword! Let those who promulgate my faith enter into no argument nor discussion, but slay all who refuse obedience to the law. Whoever fights for the true faith, whether he fall or conquer, will assuredly receive a glorious reward.

The sword [added he] is the key of heaven and hell; all who draw it in the cause of the faith will be rewarded with temporal advantages; every drop shed of their blood, every peril and hardship endured by them, will be registered on high as more meritorious than even fasting or praying. If they fall in battle, their sins will at once be blotted out, and they will be transported to paradise, there to revel in eternal pleasures in the arms of black-eyed houris. [Source: Washington Irving: Mohammed]

*Interestingly, Washington Irving uses the term 'Islamism' in his book, but the term refers to Islam itself!

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – USA)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardcover – USA)

8 comments:

Always On Watch said...

My local public library contains many of Irving's books. But not this one! Maybe the library has "purged" its shelves of this one of Irving's works in favor of having multiple copies of the Koran.

Mark said...

Always:

Who knows whether it has been purged, or not? I wouldn't be surprised by anything these days. Everybody's doing everything they can to protect Islam, yet we are the ones who need protecting. Check this out, and this. All very frightening, or course.

You will recall that I said as much in book. In fact, I have been saying these things to friends, acquaintances, and family for about 26/27 years. But only the few were paying attention.

Back to the book: I found it by chance in my local bookshop. I'm glad I bought it.

Always On Watch said...

I just ordered my copy from Amazon, but the copy won't be shipped until November because I have another order pending for then.

Mark said...

November? My God! That's a damn long wait!

Anonymous said...

I would like very much to see some references to these allegations: the speech attributed to the prophet Muhammed (pbuh).
And please tell me now, whose putting the sword on all these new converts from around the word?

Mark said...

Anonymous:

Why don''t you read Washington Irving's book? That will give you all the info you wish to know. Warning, though: Don't be disappointed if it doesn't tell you what you wish to read.

The sword, alas, is certainly an instrument of the Muslim's faith. Without any dispute. Where would Islam be today if it hadn't used it?

Anonymous said...

Mark:
woww, I didn't think of that?! to check Irving's book to get the references :(

and let me reiterate my question:
whose putting the sword on all these new converts from around the word?

Mark said...

Welcome back, Anonymous!

woww, I didn't think of that?! to check Irving's book to get the references :(

Yes, indeed! Great idea, don't you think? Should be helpful! :-)

and let me reiterate my question:
whose putting the sword on all these new converts from around the word?


Well, I believe you'd be better placed than I to answer your own question. The sword is being brandished quite a lot these days, though, don't you think?