Winston Churchill on Islam

A quote from an 1899 book by Winston Churchill, "The River War", in which he describes Muslims he apparently observed during Kitchener's campaign in the Sudan
.
"How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries!
.
Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy.
.
The effects are apparent in many countries.
.
Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live.
.
A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity.
.
The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property - either as a child, a wife, or a concubine - must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men.
.
Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities.
.
Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the Queen; all know how to die
.
But the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it.
.
No stronger retrograde force exists in the world.
.
Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith".