The Biography of their Prophet, it is true, is not a favourite study with the
Mohammedans of the present day; it forms no part of the usual course of
scholastic study or theological reading; and is only taken up by those whose
religious or antiquarian tastes attract them to the subject. Still the main
facts of Mohammed's life are generally known; and the natives of India can, at
any rate, readily ascertain them by reference to the historical works
scattered about the country. Lives of the Prophet by Christians will challenge
the closest examination. If errors be detected in them, their effect will not
simply be neutralised : their tendency will be positively injurious. The
natives will be impressed with the idea that our sources of information are
imperfect and erroneous, and will conclude that our judgment of Mohammed and
of his religion, founded upon these, is imperfect and erroneous. They will
thus be fortified in their scornful rejection of Christian evidence, and in
their self-complacent reliance on the dogmas of Islam.