The Mohammedan Controversy

86	BIOGRAPHIES OF MOHAMMED

he found it written in twelve places. The man marvelled exceedingly, saying within himself, "The oftener I cut, out this name from the Old Testament, the more do I find it written therein. If I go on at this rate, I shall soon have the entire Scriptures filled with the name." At last he became desirous of visiting the Prophet, and, filled with this anxiety, by day and by night he travelled, from stage to stage, till he reached Medina. When he arrived, Mohammed had been dead three days. His followers concealed the fact from the Jew, fearing it might stagger his faith. At last, learning the truth, he tumbled senseless on the ground, and, beating his head, called out: "Alas! alas! my journey is in vain. Would I had never been born! "He then entreated to be shown the clothes Mohammed wore, and they were brought forth from Fatima's house, patched in seven places. Immediately he smelled the fragrance of them, and clasping them to his eyes, exclaimed, "Let my soul be a sacrifice to the sweetness of thy fragrance, oh Mohammed! Alas, that I missed the sight of thee!" He then repaired to the tomb, repeated the Creed, and prayed thus: "If my cry be accepted in the court of heaven, then call me, this very moment, to the presence of my beloved!" He fell to the ground, exclaiming, "Oh Mohammed! oh Mohammed!" and expired in the arms of his love.

It may be thought that far too much attention and space have been allotted to this pitiful work. But a little reflection may justify the pains we have devoted to it.

For, first, the book is a type and reflection of the Mohammedan mind of India; credulous beyond belief. It is an important illustration of the position laid down in a previous number of this Review, that although Mohammedans are captious and pseudocritical to the utmost when attacking other religions, they are incredibly simple and superstitious, it may be wilfully blind, in reference to their own.

This biography has also been favourably received by the mass of the people: it has been eagerly bought up, and has gone through repeated editions.¹ It therefore bears the stamp of popular approval. Further, its author is a man of letters and intelligence: for many years he held a ministerial office in our highest court of

¹ The last edition was forwarded to us by the publisher at Agra, just as this article was going to press, with the following note: "The work Maulûd Sharîf, composed by our patron Ghulâm Imâm Shahîd, is well known throughout every kingdom and district. In such demand is it, that ten or twelve editions, and thousands of copies, have been printed at Lucknow, and are still being printed. There will be found hardly a village or town in the country whither the book has not reached." This is, no doubt, somewhat exaggerated, but it is still proof of immense popularity. The new Agra edition is considerably enlarged, containing ninety-four quarto pages. A great deal of Urdoo poetry has also been added to it.

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BIOGRAPHIES OF MOHAMMED