Islam And Sufism > Western Scholars On Quran


"That part of Islam which most distinctly reveals the mind of its author is also its most complete and its most admirable part, we mean the ethics of the Quran. They are not found any more than the other laws brought together in one or two 'Suras' but "like golden threads" they are woven into the huge fabric of the religious constitution of Mohammed. Injustice, falsehood, pride, revengefulness, calumny, mockery, avarice, prodigality, debauchery, mistrust, and suspicion are inveighed against as ungodly and wicked; while benevolence liberality, modesty, forbearance, patience and endurance frugality, sincerity, straightforwardness, decency love of peace and truth and above all trust in God and submission to His will are considered as the pillars of true piety and the principal signs of a true believer. Nor must we omit to point out expressly that Mohammed never laid down that doctrine of absolute predestination which destroys all human will and freedom, because the individual's deeds cannot alter one iota in his destiny either in this world or in the next. So far from it foolhardiness is distinctly prohibited in the Quran. Caution is recommended. And a glance at the whole system of faith which is built on hope and fear rewards and punishment paradise and hell destined to be man's portion."