The Nineteenth Century , No 182, Apr 1892 [‎111r] (226/244)

1892
NOTICEABLE
711
posed to allow him ; and in dealing, for instance, with one of the
most prominent of what he calls ' temporary enactments,' polygamy, he
undoubtedly makes too little of such a glaring defect as Mohammed's
personal uxoriousness. This cannot be wholly explained away, and
has certainly exercised an unwholesome influence on his disciples in
all ages, which the actual sanction of polygamy in the Koran might
not by 'tself have exercised. Strange as it may seem, all the Koran
teaches on this subject is this :
If ye fear that ye cannot do justice between orphans, then marry such women
as are lawful to you, by twos, or threes, or fours ; and if ye fear ye cannot be im
partial, then only one, or what [slaves] your right hands possess : that is the chief
thing, that ye be not unfair (Kor. iv. 3).
On this enigmatic remark is the Mohammedan system of four
wives founded! So obscure is it that worthy Muslims have been
found who interpreted it to mean .that they might marry wives in
batches of two or three or four at a time, and have acted religiously
up to their interpretation; whilst others have added ' two or three or
four ' together, to their entire satisfaction. But in face of Moham
med's own example, Syed Ameer Ali cannot reasonably contend
that it is a misrepresentation and a ' reprehensible mistake' to say
that the Prophet either ' adopted or legalised polygamy.' He did
both, and probably rightly, considering the times and the people:
whether he meant the system to be perpetuated is another matter.
If many Muslims agree with Syed Ameer Ali in denouncing
polygamy as 'an adulterous connection,' disavowing divorce, and
disapproving of the seclusion of women, we shall soon see a change
in the social state of Islam. Ninety-five per cent, of the Indian
Musulmans are monogamists, and everywhere in the countries of
Islam polygamy is the exception; but this is usually due to economy
or some such cause. Let it be from principle, as in Ameer Ali's case,
and Islam will go upwards a long step on the ladder of civilisation.
Our object, however, is not so much to criticise, as to emphasise
the singular interest and significance of the position taken up in this
book. A devout and strict Mohammedan of high intellectual powers
and European education has here explained his faith, and vindicated the
right of private judgment against the dictates of orthodox tradition.
He puts his case with singular ability and straightforwardness, and
his exposition of the views of educated Muslims in modern India
must possess a high value to all who are able to appreciate their
importance both to England and to the East at large.
S tanley L ane -P oole.