Page:The young Moslem looks at life (1937).djvu/53

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LAST OF THE PROPHETS
39

greatest foes. He is presented as combining the highest of human attributes: justice and mercy.

In fact in these interpretations Mohammed is not only like Jesus in every manly quality, but is superior to him. Jesus had a triumphal entry; so did Mohammed when he entered the holy city of Mecca in triumph over his enemies. Jesus forgave his enemies; so did Mohammed forgive his persecutors in Mecca—all but four, who were put to death. Mohammed was more practical than Jesus. He performed no miracles, and offered the Koran as sufficient proof of his claims. He gave practical laws for his followers instead of visionary principles. Even his many marriages but demonstrate the perfection of his nature which enabled him to live successfully with several wives at the same time. Mohammed fully understood human nature, and accommodated his teaching to its frailties. And, finally, Mohammed came to complete the work which Jesus started but did not bring to full accomplishment. Moslems hold that Jesus was sent as a prophet only to the Jews, while Mohammed came with a mission to the whole world.