Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-26
ISLAM'S CHALLENGE.

According TO Vienna dispatch, we'll
Informed observers OF current events
expect. that in the early spring, Rus
sian troops will enter Bulgaria, while
Austrian soldiers will occupy Servia.
The prediction is based on the suppo-
sltlon that the reform schemes de-
manded and agreed to, will not be
carried out, ana that the political sit
uatIon IN the Balkan states viii become
such az to demand military interior
ence. II is explained that the occupa-
ton win be temporary, and last only
until perfect peace and tranquility are
restored, But It is safe to say that II
the two powers lay hold OF any OF the
Balkan states, they viii keep them
The history Of Manchuria VIII be re-
peated. A move such as that would
be another blow on the feet OF the
image OF the Turkish empire. ii would
be a notice to Islam that its days on
this side Of the Bosporus are num-
bered.
In this connection Il IN Interesting
to read challenge issued by the head
of the holy Islamic League, Sholk ABB
dull Hagk of Bagdad The league en-
deavors to unite the Mohammedan
world in defense of the common prin~
cples. The sheik as quoted In The
Literary Digest, declares that recon-
citation between Christians and Mo-
hammedans is impossible. IL Is the
doctrine OF the Deity that forms an
!nseparable barrier between the two
classes. 1T Isl he says absolutely
niece ssary for you to understand TINS
fundamental fact that the whole struc'
ture OF Mohammedan falth is based on
the doctrine Of the unity OF the one
God, who is absolute, without limita-
lions or restrictions, eternal who has
never been begotten and who has be-
gotten none other. This article Of our
faith is in direct opposition to Chris
tian teaching Through this article
the Christian dogma Of the trinity be-
comes the sworn enemy OF the God OF
Islam. The absolute hostility OF these
IWU luludilltlldA hONtihiNo 10 " N''N'
trial to the patience of every Moham-
medan. We Christians, educated as
you are from your youth in the doc
trines Of your church, can have no con-
ception of the terror and disgust that
overcome our souls at the very men,
! ton Of the word trinity" He also re-
| minds Europe Of the crusades, which,
| he says are being continued in various
forms now, and adds
| Eye Christian conquerers, know well
| that no skill or science, no money OF
| treasure, no miracle, VIII ever recon
| cile us to such goddess supremacy.
| Know we that the very sight OF your
flags flying In our lands Is torment TOT
| the soul OF a Moslem. Your boasted
good deeds are just 40 many stains OF
dishonor that have befouled our con-
sciences, and our most urgent prayer Is
that the great day may soon come
when we can wipe out the last traces
of your accursed rule. And yet through
your very enormities we have derived
benefit, They have taught us how T.
i know ourselves better. We now know
that we are three hundred million
strong, We have needed organization
and concentration. and you have forced
us TO take these steps. lslamic unit!
is now becoming reality from one enc
of the earth to the other, and hol!
zeal is uniting us and driving us to GU
Inevitable destiny. We do not fea
your threats or your arms, What d
we care for the things OF this world
Victory or defeat are In the hands o
God alone. 1t liz our duty 10 die right
w and the world has learned durini
the past thirteen centuries that tn
Moslem knows how to de-
This Is but a straw indicating the al
rection of the wind. The Christian pow
ers are dailying with the Balkan ques
tons until they will find themselve
confronted. not by sick man. bu
by tremendous organization tha
knows no distinction between state an
church, between everyday life and re
ligion--an organization enthusiasticall
| dasiroua NJ death on the battlefield,