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BIOGRAPHIES OF MOHAMMED
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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