So, likewise, the hold which
the religion seized both of Spain and Sicily came to an end with
Mussulman defeat. It is true that when once long and firmly rooted, as
in India and China, Islam may survive the loss of military power, and
even flourish. But it is equally true that in no single country has
Islam been planted, nor has it anywhere materially spread, saving under
the banner of the Crescent or the political ascendency of some
neighboring State. Accordingly, we find that, excepting some barbarous
zones in Africa which have been raised thereby a step above the
groveling level of fetichism, the faith has in modern times made no
advance worth mentioning.[69]
From the Jewish and Christian religions there has (again speaking
broadly) been no secession whatever to Islam since the wave of Saracen
victory was stayed, excepting by the force of arms. Even in the palmy
days of the Abbasside caliphs, our apologist could challenge his
adversary to produce a single conversion otherwise than by reason of
some powerful material inducement. Here is his testimony:
[Sidenote: Al Kindy's challenge to produce a Christian convert to
Islam apart from material inducements.]
Now tell me, hast thou ever seen, my Friend, (the Lord be gracious
unto thee!) or ever heard of a single person of sound mind--any one
of learning and experience, and acquainted with the Scriptures,
renouncing Christianity otherwise than for some worldly object to
be reached only through thy religion, or for some gratification
withheld by the faith of Jesus? Thou wilt find none.
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