There are many passages written by eminent non-Muslim scholars, philosophers, orientalists, leaders etc. about the excellent life & character of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
Sadly, it's most unfortunate that in many cases these are incorrectly quoted - all too often in a way that better suits the writer's intended purpose. Then, without any further research, these incorrect quotes are scattered across thousands of locations around the world by individuals keen to propagate the fantastic character of that prophet (pbuh) which, to be fair, I feel has indeed been heavily (negatively) tainted by the works of (generally Christian) western authors.
However, despite being much endeared by his character and being a Muslim, I certainly can't stay silent and let incorrect quotes about the prophet (pbuh) continue to be circulated whilst having his numerous examples of uncompromising honesty and integrity studded in history.
The first quote I wish to correct is from a very famous Irish politician, who had a genuinely good, compassionate heart and was brave in his fight against injustice - even against his own countrymen. Edmund Burke's incorrect quote is as follows
“The Muhammadan law, which is binding on all from the crowned head to the meanest subject, is a law interwoven with a system of the wisest, the most learned and the most enlightened jurisprudence that ever existed in the world.”
The correct quote, which I've personally read in (a very old, but well preserved) book "Burke's Speech at the Impeachment of Warren Hastings", Vol II, p. 51 (as an aside - this reference is also nowhere to be found on the internet) is as follows :-
“The Muhammadan Law which is binding upon all - from the crowned head to the meanest subject; a law interwoven with a system of the widest, the most learned, and most enlightened jurisprudence that perhaps ever existed in the world.”
Unfortunately, this latter quote in this it's original form is nowhere to be found on Google.
Yes, this does take the punch slightly out of the quote but I have no qualms.
I hope to post more corrections - and there are more - in the future, insh'Allah.
Sadly, it's most unfortunate that in many cases these are incorrectly quoted - all too often in a way that better suits the writer's intended purpose. Then, without any further research, these incorrect quotes are scattered across thousands of locations around the world by individuals keen to propagate the fantastic character of that prophet (pbuh) which, to be fair, I feel has indeed been heavily (negatively) tainted by the works of (generally Christian) western authors.
However, despite being much endeared by his character and being a Muslim, I certainly can't stay silent and let incorrect quotes about the prophet (pbuh) continue to be circulated whilst having his numerous examples of uncompromising honesty and integrity studded in history.
The first quote I wish to correct is from a very famous Irish politician, who had a genuinely good, compassionate heart and was brave in his fight against injustice - even against his own countrymen. Edmund Burke's incorrect quote is as follows
“The Muhammadan law, which is binding on all from the crowned head to the meanest subject, is a law interwoven with a system of the wisest, the most learned and the most enlightened jurisprudence that ever existed in the world.”
The correct quote, which I've personally read in (a very old, but well preserved) book "Burke's Speech at the Impeachment of Warren Hastings", Vol II, p. 51 (as an aside - this reference is also nowhere to be found on the internet) is as follows :-
“The Muhammadan Law which is binding upon all - from the crowned head to the meanest subject; a law interwoven with a system of the widest, the most learned, and most enlightened jurisprudence that perhaps ever existed in the world.”
Unfortunately, this latter quote in this it's original form is nowhere to be found on Google.
Yes, this does take the punch slightly out of the quote but I have no qualms.
I hope to post more corrections - and there are more - in the future, insh'Allah.
