Islam Rediscovered
21. Islam in History
~ 372 ~
According to historical records, the number of
Christ’s followers continued increasing until a time
came when, by the sheer ratio of their numbers,
they came to enjoy a position of dominance. This
leads us to ask what feature of the propagation of
their mission was so especially effective as to cause
their numbers to increase so rapidly. The Qur’an
states that this came about with the special succour
of God: “We gave Christ the gospel and put
compassion and mercy in the hearts of his
followers” (57:27). We find the same sentiments
expressed in the Bible in the words uttered by
Christ:
But I say to you who hear: love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you, bless those
who curse you, and pray for those who
spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on
the one cheek, offer the other also. And from
him who takes away your cloak, do not
withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone
who asks of you. And from him who takes
away your goods, do not ask them back. And
just as you want men to do to you, also do to
them likewise. But if you love those who love
