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."
-- The Rt Hon Sir Winston Churchill, 1899
-- (The River War, first edition, Vol. II, pages 248-50 London)
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (Can) --
(born 30 November 1874 – died 24 January 1965)
-- (biograph source: The Rt Hon Winston Churchill,
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