So it is only natural that the question of suitability and...

So it is only natural that the question of suitability and harmony with the times should he given more attention with regard to Islam. Incidentally many non-Muslims scholars’ and writers have studied the social and the civil law of Islam and have spoken highly of Islamic laws as a progressive series of laws, and they have draw attention to and commended the living character and enduring nature of this religion and its ability to adapt its laws to the advance of time.

Bernard Shaw, the great English liberal writer said: “I have always had the greatest respect for the religion of Muhammad on account of its extraordinary quality of staying lively.

In my opinion, Islam is the only religion which has the ability to harmonize and exert its control over differing circumstances and changing ways of life, and to confront the diversities of the centuries.” “Thus I predict, and already the signs can be seen, that tomorrow the Faith of Muhammad will become quite accepted in Europe.” “The theologians of the Middle Ages drew a dark picture of the religion of Muhammad, as a result of their ignorance and prejudices.

Because of their malice and fanaticism, he seemed, in their eyes, to be against Christianity. I have read extensively about this man, this extraordinary man, and I have come to the conclusion not only that was he not against Christianity, but that he should he called the savior of mankind.

I believe that if such a man as he was to be in charge of the present day world, he would manage to solve the problems and difficulties of the world in such a way that he would ensure the ideal peace and happiness of humanity.”[^2] Dr. Shibli Shumayyil, a Lebanese Arab, professes materialism.

He translated the Origin of the Species of Darwin into Arabic for the first time together with the commentary of the German, Buchner, as an appendix, to serve as a weapon against religious beliefs, and he brought it within the reach of Arabic speaking people. In spite of his being a materialist, he could not restrain himself from admiring and praising Islam and had no reservation about acknowledging its greatness.

He always spoke highly of it as a living religion and of its ability to adapt to the times. In the second volume of his ‘Philosophy of Evolution and Progress” ( Falsafatu’n-nushu’ wa’l-irtiqa’ ), which he published in Arabic, he wrote an article under the title “The Qur’an and Prosperity.