Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was the Emperor of France who dissolved the Roman Empire and became the ruler of the whole Continent of Europe. He was very much impressed by the universal personage of the Prophet of Islam, and considered him the great law giver of the world.
Napoleon visited the Al-Azhar University in Egypt and discussed ‘Voltaire’s Muhammad’ with the learned Muslim scholars there. In Alexandria at the peak of his power, he publicly declared:
“Nous Sommes ies vrais musulmans. ” (We all are Muslims).1
He prepared the Code of Napoleon after examining the Compendium of the Islamic Legal System. The Code of Napoleon is still the basis of French Law. The British drafted the Indian Panel Code in 1860, almost on the same pattern of the Napoleon Code.
Related: Quotes of great non-Muslims on Islam and Prophet Muhammad
Napoleon Bonaparte admired Muhammad
Napoleon saluted the Prophet of Islam with a deep sense of admiration.
“I salute this great leader.”
Napoleon further observed:
“Muhammad, in reality was a great leader of mankind.
His followers conquered half of the world in a short time, and the discipline which they maintained under his leadership was simply marvelous, and so was their bravery, courage and devotion to the cause which they loved and cherished.
This, coupled with the contempt for death as taught by their leader, made them great soldiers and fighters, the like of whom history rarely produces.
I simply marvel at the achievement of this Son of the Desert within a period of only 15 years – a thing which Moses and Christ could not do in fifteen hundred years.
I salute this great man; I salute his qualities of head and heart.”2
Related: Fundamental Islamic beliefs about Prophets
Napoleon considered Islam as ‘The Last Religion’
“Moses has revealed the existence of God to his nation, Jesus Christ to the Roman world, Muhammad to the old continent.
Arabia was idolatrous when, six centuries after Jesus, Muhammad introduced the worship of the God of Abraham, of Ishmael, of Moses, and of Jesus.
Muhammad declared that there was none but one God, Trinity imported the idea of idolatry.”3
Related: Only Islam can unite people of the world-Historian Gibb
Napoleon’s Desire to Establish Islamic State
“I hope the time is not far off when I shall be able to unite all the wise and educated men of all the countries, and establish a uniform regime based on the principles of the Quran, which alone are true, and which alone can lead men to happiness.”4
Related: Why no one can match Muhammad’s achievements
Islam: Last Love of Napoleon
Emil Ludwig, the biographer of Napoleon, writes that Napoleon was speaking of his preference of the religion of Islam to those around him three days before his death.
- Muhammad, A Biography of the Prophet , Karen Armstrong, page 38.
- The Glory of Islam, Published by Seerat International Research Centre, Islamabad, page 35.
- Bonaparte et L’ Islam, Cherfils, Paris, pp. 105-125.
- Ibid.
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