rationalist; but as Islám is a system of the most positive dogma, it does not admit either of rationalism, or "free thought." Sayyid Ahmad and Ameer ʾAlí no more represent the Muhammadanism of the Qurán and the Traditions, than the opinions of Mr. Voysey represent the teaching of orthodox Christianity.
"Islámism is in itself stationary, and was framed thus to remain; sterile, like its God, lifeless like its first principle in all that constitutes life—for life is love, participation, and progress, and of these the Coranic deity has none. It justly repudiates all change, all development. To borrow the forcible words of Lord Houghton, the written book is there the dead man's hand, stiff and motionless; whatever savours of vitality is by that alone convicted of heresy and defection."[1]
- ↑ Palgrave's Arabia, vol. i. p. 372.
