CHAPTER XVI

108. 23-4. on est un musulman pour se résigner. The absolute résignation of the Arabs t<> the will of God is proverbial. To show lo what extent il k'ocs, mie niust only read the following ' from Mohammed Al-Mcrkcvi in his very orthodox treatise known as the Ri nlo i lirrkrvi : "Ile |Gorl| (an do what Hc wills and whatever ll< wills cornes to pass. He is qoI obliged to act. Everything, good or evil, in tins world exists by His will. Ile wills

the faith of the believer, and the piety of the religious. If He were to change His will there would be neither a true believer, nor a pious man. He willeth also the unbelief of the unbelievers and the irreligion of the wicked, and without that will, there would be neither unbelief nor irreligion. Ail we do, we do by His will: what He willeth not, does not come to pass. If one should ask why God does not will that ail men should believe, we answer: ' We hâve no right to inquire about what God wills and does. He is perfectly free to will and to do what He pleases.' In creating unbelievers, in willing that they should remain in that state; in making scorpions and pigs; in willing, in short, ail that is evil, God has wise ends in view which it is not necessary that we should know. We must acknowledge that the will of God is eternal and that it is not posterior to His essence " (quoted from E. Sell: The Faith of Islam. London, 1880). Inquiries into the nature of God are unlawful to a good Mohammedan. See also on the subject, note to page 11, line 22. 110. 5. Arnautes. See note to page 33, line 18.