"How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries, improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement, the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property, either as a child, a wife, or a concubine, must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities, but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilization of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome."
And when?
Winston Churchill.
ReplyDeleteI knew that bit without googling.
Can't remember which book it was in though - "History of the English-speaking Peoples"? That's a guess, someone else can cheat and post the answer.
That all seems a very fair & balanced point of view. It should be printed out and attached to every lamp-post throughout the realm.
ReplyDeleteWinston Churchill in The River War published 1899 (had to look that bit up) but knew the quote and the book.
ReplyDeleteStill seems sound today though
It's a pity that our lightweight politicians don't think that way. Just run for the trees when the subject of Islam crops up.
ReplyDelete