Epilogue

It is possible that eventually Islam (like Christianity already in some circles) will prove to have its most creative thrust by way of the "secular" literature in which its challenge has been embedded, and will move among its heirs like a secret leaven long after they have forgotten they were once Muslims. Persian poetry will not die so soon as the disquisitions of fiqh or kalam. And Persian poetry may eventually prove to be as potent everywhere as among those who use language touched by the Persianate spirit, and so by Islam. ~ Marshall Hodgson, The Venture of Islam, Vol. 3, 441.