Page:Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din - The Strength of Islam.djvu/5



power and forcefulness of an idea, and certainly its effectiveness, may often be measured by the time it is brought forward and the opportunities afforded. But to ensure effectiveness the idea must be sound in itself and be able to withstand the severest investigation—otherwise a specious and basically unsound theory may be able to gain credence and support.

In the case of Islam we observe truth, sincerity, toleration and simplicity. General Charles Gordon doubtless had this in mind when he said that he did not see the sect of Pharisees amongst the Mussulmans, who never assume, as the Christian Pharisees do, that A and B are doomed to be burned. This saintly man knew the East well, and had mixed with Muslims all his life; he further said of the Muslims: "You never see the very unamiable features which are shown by our Pharisees."

"Believe or be damned" is the slogan of certain Church parties, but not of Christ's teaching. The Crusaders showed the aggressive sword