Islam Not Sleeping by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 9, 1906

Islam Not Sleeping

By C. M. S.

For many years rumors out of the East have worried Christendom. From time to time sinister threats have been uttered by the muezzins of Islam against Christians and Christian work in Moslem lands. Some have regarded it as merely talk which would amount to nothing; but a study of the language used reveals a spirit of hatred and determination which is anything but reassuring. A united Islam, called together by its high priest to wage a war of extermination against Christianity in Islam’s realm, is not a pleasant thing to contemplate.

For years students of Islam have been telling the world of the rising spirit of Islamism. They have been regarded as sensationalists, probably because they prophesied the occurrence of the outbreak at too early a date. Islam was not ready, and the outburst did not come. But all these years, while preparing its

forces for the conflict, its missionaries have been busier than ever in lands whose inhabitants were most susceptible to its teachings, notably north and central Africa. In this territory particularly Christian missionaries have come in constant touch with the Moslem propagandists. Christian missionaries, in such territory, have found it exceedingly difficult to make headway, and the fanatical hatred engendered by the Moslem missionaries has made life burdensome for Christian missionaries, and especially for the native converts.

Though it is well known that it is Islam’s purpose to strike, it has not been the design that the blow should fall till all things were in readiness; and this has accounted for the unusual zeal and earnestness displayed in recent years by Moslem missionaries in those countries most easily proselyted. Islam desires the largest possible backing when the clash comes.

Islam has many grievances, particularly against England. Great Britain’s occupation of Trans-Indus territory has angered the Moslems of Afghan. England’s sale of the Moslem territory of Cashmere to a Hindu prince stirred all Islam; for it meant the subjection of “the faithful” to an idolater. This is regarded by Moslem scholars and teachers as sufficient cause for a holy war. England’s continued occupation of Egypt, and the increasing influence of France and Germany in Algeria and Morocco, have added fuel to the flames.

India has seventy million Moslems, nearly as many people as all the inhabitants of the United States; and there is every reason to believe that these would rise at the proclamation of a “holy war,” to throw their strength with the Moslems of other Islamic countries. It is known that Afghan can muster a force of two million men for such an undertaking. These, with Turkey, Persia, Arabia, north and central Africa, and the southern States of Russia, and even western China, will make a power whose suppression would strain, if not exhaust, the resources of all Europe. Diplomatic correspondence between Russia and Afghanistan, which has come to light, would indicate that Russia herself might possibly be linked with the Orientals in the masterly struggle.

That English statesmen realize something of the impending peril was shown in the recent speech of Earl Grey, secretary of foreign affairs, in the House of Commons. He declared that fanatical feeling had been on the increase in Egypt all the year, and has spread throughout all the north of Africa. This, he said, had caused the recent increase in the garrison in Egypt. He spoke of the probable necessity of the government’s taking unconstitutional measures, but that “such measures would unhesitatingly be taken rather than allow Lord Cromer’s work in Egypt to be swept away by a rush of fanatical feeling.” He further declared: “As things are now, I say deliberately and with a full sense of responsibility, that if the House does anything to weaken the authority of the government, as it exists in Egypt, you will be face to face with a very serious situation.”

There is some reason to believe that a general movement of Mohammedans was planned last winter at the time of the Tabah dispute, but that the sultan’s courage failed him at the critical moment. This is the situation as seen by men of the world, and it should be a cause for sober thought on the part of those who know what the Word of God teaches in regard to these things.

C. M. S.