The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.449

v3.c20.449

Muhammad replied that Jamshīd's code had been framed for earlier times, when men were innocent and obedient, and that in the latter times wickedness had increased upon the earth and a spirit of disaffection was everywhere abroad, so that it had become necessary to punish with death acts of disobedience which would formerly have been regarded as venial, lest the infection should spread and disaffection breed open rebellion. In this course, he said, he would persevere until his death, or until his people became submissive. His reply embodies his whole theory of penal legislation. He regarded his people as his natural enemies, and the penal laws as a means of visiting his personal displeasure on them. They accepted the challenge, and the hideous rivalry continued until his death.