It is obvious
that Muhammad's life reveals both positive and negative reports
and it is the positive aspects that have been effectively
used to attract the unsuspecting, non-Muslim, people into what they perceive
is a religion of peace. Even if a person does not convert to Islam,
they may still maintain an admiring attitude with the opinion
that Islam should not be seen as a threat at all and many regard Muhammad
as a role model. This is exemplified by a description of the Islamic
prophet by noted writer, George Bernard Shaw, through his observations
written in 1936:
"If any religion had the chance of ruling over England, nay Europe within the next hundred years, it could be Islam.
I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because
of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to
me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of
existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied
him - the wonderful man and in my opinion for from being an anti-Christ,
he must be called the Saviour of Humanity. I believe that if a man
like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would
succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much
needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad
that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning
to be acceptable to the Europe of today."
George Bernard Shaw, THE
GENUINE ISLAM, Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936.]
Shaw's elaborate description
of Muhammad is in great contrast to the observation that America's
3rd President and noted statesman, Thomas Jefferson, made about the
qualities that are exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ:
"Of
all the systems of morality, ancient or modern, which have come under
my observation, none appears to me so pure as that of Jesus."
Ref:The Great Thoughts, page 228: compiled by George Seldes,
Balantine
Books, New York