ISLAM
HER MORAL AND SPIRITUAL VALUE
ISLAM
HER MORAL AND SPIRITUAL VALUE
A Rational and Psychological Study
By
MAJOR ARTHUR GLYN LEONARD
LATE 2ND BATT. EAST LANCASHIRE REGIMENT
Author of “The Camel, Its Uses and Management,” “How we made
Rhodesia,” “The Lower Niger and its Tribes”
With a Foreword by
SYED AMEER ALI, M.A., C.I.E.
Author of “The Spirit of Islam,” “Life and Teachings of Mohammed,”
“Mohammedan Law,” [“Personal Law of the
Mohammedans,” etc.]
LONDON
LUZAC & CO
46, GREAT RUSSELL STREET
1909
FOREWORD
I am glad to introduce this book with an expression of the pleasure and interest with which I have read Major Leonard’s admirable psychological study of a subject, the importance of which it is hardly possible to overrate.
Unfortunately it has been too common hitherto to regard Islam as an antagonistic force to Christendom; to depreciate its Founder and to discount its Ideals. As the author justly observes, it is hardly possible for a student really anxious to acquaint himself with the inner spirit of another Faith, to gain an insight into its true character until he has divested himself of ancient prejudices that narrow his perspective and prevent his taking a broad view of the aims and aspirations of the great men who from time to time have tried to uplift humanity.
Major Leonard has dealt with his subject in this broad spirit; he has approached it with sympathy born of intimate acquaintance with races and peoples who profess the Faith of Islam. His is eminently a philosophical study of its Founder, of its true moral and spiritual utility, and of the great impetus it gave to the progress of the world.