OFFENCE TO MAHOMET.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 49, Issue 14972, 25 July 1923, Page 6

OFFENCE TO MAHOMET.

SOME INTERESTING HISTORY.

(Specialty written for Daily Times.)

The trustees of the National Art Galierv in Sydney have given offence to the Indian community of that city, .so runs a cable item, by placing an inscription under a bust- of the Prophet, reading, “His was a sensuous face, selfish and cruel.” Being somewhat interested I set out to see what I could learn about the maligned individual in question and as to whether the “gratuitously offensive, inscription” could be supported bv tradition and history. Methought of a little old volume on a top sludf, entitled, “A View of all the Religions of the world, also a Discovery of all known Heresies in all Aces and all Places,” by A. Ross. Printed in London for John Saywell. and are to be sold at liis shop at the sign of the Greyhound in Little Britain without. Aldersgate, 1655, with effigies in copper plate of certain notorious Ilercticks. ”

A few minutes’ rummaging amongst the dust (like Samuel Johnson I don’t believe in dusting books) brought my old friend to light, and on page 59 I read: “In the year six hundred twenty two, Honorius the fift being Bishop of Rome and Heraelius Saesar Emperor of the East, a transcendent Arch-Heretick called Mahomet exchanged Hell for earth. By nation an Arabian, but most depraved and corrupt—a serious professor of diabolical arts —a most ungodly instrument of Satan —the viceroy of Anti-Christ. He with Sabellis renewed the laughing stock -of the Trinity. He with Arrius most fervently and contumeliously held that Christ was only.a man. With Donatists he contemned tlie purest Sacraments of the Church. With Origen he affirms that devils shall be eternally saved. He with Corinthus believed in the eternal felicity in the lusts of the flesh. He bestowed upon his disciples the privileges of polygamy, concubines and divorce.”

The copper pla-tc allegedly portraying the “Arch Hereticks’ physiognomy would probably have entitled the subject to heavy damages at law had he been alive to institute proceedings — vet, perhaps, the likeness is .true. Thinking that perhaps Ross was somewhat biased, I sought further afield and turned to Middleton’s “Complete Geography and History_of All Countries of the World,” 177< — a truly ponderous volume (on the floor this time) and learn therefrom: “The character of Mahomet was avarieous, ferocious, sensual. An illustrative story: Mahomet became enamoured of ar beautiful slave girl and spent much time in her seductive companionship. His associates complained of neglect of public duty. Mahomet immediately appointed a grand meeting of advisers and counsellors. The fair Neapolitan was commanded ;t-o appear dressed in her most gorgeous raiment. The vision of loveliness presented to the assemblage captivated all. Mahomet requested her to kneel before him and in a flash severed her head from here body with a stroke of his scimitar, saying, “You shall find I am more than man, and can enjoy or leave pleasure alone at will.” Some have greatly commended, others severaly blamed this singular deed. In all fairness to the murderer it must be stated that this story lias also been repeated in connection with two other Eastern potentates. The probability is it is more or less true regarding ail three. Still unwilling to leave the subject without at least finding one witness for the defence, I turned to the Koran, Ma hornet’s own mouthpiece —Sales’ translation, 1754. George Sale, the translator, one of England’s most distinguished Eastern scholars, was born in Kent about 1694. He is described as a man of pleasing appearance and personality, richly endowed intellectually and of a retiring disposition. Possessed of considerable wealth, he spent much time of his earlier years travelling and studying in the East. His knowledge of Oriental languages, history and customs was profound. His library was a book-lover’s paradise, containing numerous old and rare books in the Arabic, Persian and other Orient tongues. Tie possessed also a magnificent collection of most beautifully illuminated manuscripts. His home life was spent in his library in the company of his accomplished wife —hours of biblio-bliss —the world forgotten, and by the world forgot. His translation of the Koran is regarded in both East and West as the best of tlie few' that have appeared, and could scarcely be improved upon. His introductory preface is an instructive, masterly treatise. But to return to our subject. The charge of sensuality against Mahomet is well sustained by his promised paradise of the “faithful.” The abode of the blessed—Al Jannat —tlie Garden of Eternal Bliss —is to be apparently somewhat on the lines of an up-to-date cabaret and a fourteenth century Turkish harem combined. To be able to fully enjoy the animal delights of that sensuous kingdom, the individual strength of its male inhabitants is to be increased a hundredfold. Wine, women and song arc the star items of the programme. Wine from the fountains of Tasnim, such as the palate of man has never yet tasted; women, the black eyed Hur-al-Ovun specially created for carnal delight, whose beauty will never fade or whose power to please never diminish. Song, the chorus led by the angel Isra-fil, who according to those who pretend to know, lias the most melodious voice of all God’s creatures.

Mahomet, it would seem, knew something of the value of advertising. No wonder there are some 200 million Moliommedans in the world to-day. Brief summaries are perhaps somewhat unfair. Time does not permit verbatim et literatim extracts. Those interested can read for themselves. A good reading copy of the Koran can be obtained at any leading bookseller’s for a few shillings. Mine came to me some years ago from a second-hand Eastern bookstall, accompanied with a long letter in Arabic —needless to sav, not yet read — containing, no doubt, a devout hope for my early conversion to the “faithful.” If I were one of the trustees of the National Gallery I should vote for the ‘ offensive” inscription remaining. —AAV