Page:Islam, Turkey, and Armenia, and How They Happened.djvu/37

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CHAPTER III.

NON-MOHAMETANS IN THE SIGHT OF ISLAM.

According to the doctrines and practice of Islam non-Mohametans have no right to enjoy the same privileges God has granted to Moslems. They may be allowed to live among Moslems only as subjects and subordinates, in a very restricted limitation in regard to their legal rights, religious privileges and titles of honor and social freedom.

1. Titles Denied in the Koran to non-Mohametans. The Mohametans call themselves "Muslim" (Moslem) which signifies "Submitted" to Allah and his service body and soul, and destined to peace and salvation. Also "Mumin," the "Believer" of the true God and his angels and holy servants. Also "Ibadullah," the servants and worshipers of Allah. Again, "Ummeti Muhammed," the people or the flock of Mohamet, etc. The followers of any other religion, idolators, atheists, Sabians, magi, Jews add Christians, are called "Kiafir" (Giaour), blasphemer, infidel.

Sultan Mahmoud II., the grandfather of the present Sultan, has formally forbidden his subjects to apply the term Giaour to any European, and one or two of his successors extended this prohibition to the Christian and Jewish subjects of their own dominions; but such things being well known to be

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