ISLAM AND THE COLOUR BAR [To the Editor of the
SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Surely it is rash to cite the eccentric Akbar as a proof that Muslims are ready to intermarry with Hindus. Akbar was Muhammadan in name alone. He invented a patchwork religion for himself and his court, borrowing ideas from Jesuits, Parsees, and Brahmans. He posed as a priest-king, whose opinion was infallible. The main part of his worship seems to have been given to the sun. The average Indian Muhammadan is doubtless proud of .Akbar's far-sighted political measures, and may in theory approve his religious. toleration. Yet he still counts that ruler a prince of heretics, and looks back on Aurangzeb, a great hater of Kafirs, as the true type of a Muslim Emperor.
Regarding the colour bar, it may be observed that in Sind the Abyssinian, with his negro blood, is usually reckoned an inferior by his fellow Muhammadans.—I am, Sir, &c.,
E. J. BOLUS.
The Rectory, Monk Sherborne, Basingstoke.
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