My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the secular and religious level. ...It is probable that the relative influence of Muhammad on Islam has been larger than the combined influence of Jesus Christ and St. Paul on Christianity. ...It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to be considered the most influential single figure in human history. - Michael Hart in 'The 100, A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons In History,' New York, 1978.
He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Pope's pretentions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar: without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the divine right, it was Mohammad, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports - Lamartine, "Historia de la turquie", Paris 1854. Vol. II. pp.276-7
I wanted to know the best of one who holds today's undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind....I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity,the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of the great life. - Mahatma Gandhi, "Young India", 1924.
I Have Studied Him the Wonderful Man, & In My Opinion Far 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 the Problems in a Way That Would Bring It the Much Needed Peace & Happiness. Europe is Beginning to Be Enamoured of the Creed of Muhammad. In the Next Century It May Go Still Further In Recognizing the Utility of That Creed in Solving Its Problems & It is in This Sense that You Must Understand My Prediction. - George Bernard Shaw
Everybody Loves Mohammed Day - May 28th
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