Through Force or Faith? — Page 20
?— A Reply to Pope Benedict XVI 20 unscrupulously used by Moses for the extirpation of idol- atry. ( An Apology for Mohammad and the Quran, by John Davenport, pp. 84–85, published in 1882 by Dryden Press, London) Edward Gibbon writes: The wars of the Moslems were sanctified by the prophet; but among the various precepts and examples of his life, the caliphs selected the lessons of toleration that might tend to disarm the resistance of the unbelievers. Arabia was the temple and patrimony of God of Mahomet; but he beheld with less jealousy and affection the nations of the earth. The polytheists and idolaters, who were ignorant of his name might be lawfully extirpated by his votaries: but a wise policy supplied the obligation of justice. ( The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon, vol. V, p. 381, published in 1788, London) Count Tolstoy says: Undoubtedly the Prophet Muhammad is one of the great- est reformers who rendered extensive service to the human community. As an indication of his greatness, it suffices to mention that he guided an entire nation to the light of truth and made it incline to serenity and peace and opted to live a life of asceticism. He forbade acts of bloodshed and human sacrifice. He opened up for his nation the way to progress and civilization. That was a great feat which