Even now, were there to
be an apprehension of general and overwhelming danger for religion, it
is to the Caliph that the faithful would look to defend their interests;
and, as we have seen, a moderate show of piety and respect for the
sacred law has been sufficient, in spite of a violent political
opposition, to secure for the actual holder of the title a degree of
sympathy which no other Mussulman prince could at any cost of good
government have obtained.
On the other hand, it has been shown that the loyalty, such as there is,
which Abd el Hamid inspires is due to him solely as incumbent of the
Caliphal office, and not as the representative of any race or dynasty.
The House of Othman, as such, represents nothing sacred to Mussulmans;
and the Turkish race is very far from being respected in Islam. The
present Caliphal house is unconnected in blood with the old traditional
line of "successors;" and even with the Turks themselves inspires little
modern reverence. Moreover, the actual incumbent of the office is
thought to be not even a true Ottoman, being the offspring of the
Seraglio rather than of known parents; Abd el Hamid's sole title to
spiritual consideration is his official name. This he has had the sense
to set prominently forward.
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