CHAPTER I.
THE CORÂN AS EXPLAINED BY THE LIFE OF MAHOMET.
THE Corân is the ground-work of Islam. Its authority is absolute in all
matters of polity, ethics, and science, equally as in matters of religion.
"The Lord hath said it," is the standard of daily life. Where
revelation is silent, tradition speaks; and upon the tradition of Mahomet's
sayings and example, as well as upon the interpretation and analogy of the
text of the CORÂN, are built up the various schools of Islam. But the
Corân is supreme, and much of its teaching is so plain as to admit no
question even among contending sectaries. While, therefore, those who would
gain a knowledge of Islam, or would seek to influence Mahometan thought,
must make themselves familiar with the traditional and scholastic lore of
the sect among whom they are cast, a still greater incumbency rests on them
to study the Corân itself. The devotion of the Mussulman to the Corân is
intense. In the early Caliphate the ability to repeat it by heart conferred
power and distinction, and honour still attaches to the attainment.
Familiarity with the Corân is a