LETTER VII
Namaaz (daily prayer).—The Mussulmaun prayers.—Their different names and times.—Extra prayer-service.—The Mosque.—Ablutions requisite previous to devotion.—Prostrations at prayers.—Mosque described.—The Mussulmaun's Sabbath.—Its partial observance.—The amusements of this life not discontinued on the Sabbath.—Employment of domestics undiminished on this day.—Works of importance then commenced.—Reasons for appropriating Friday to the Sabbath.—The Jews opposed to Mahumud.—The Prophet receives instructions from the angel Gabriel.—Their import and definition.—Remarks of a Commentator on the Khoraun.—Prayer of intercession.—Pious observance of Christmas day by a Native Lady.—Opinions entertained of our Saviour.—Additional motives for prayer.—David's Mother's prayer.—Anecdote of Moses and a Woodcutter.—Remarks upon the piety and devotion of the female Mussulmauns…Page 82
LETTER VIII
The Fast of Rumzaun.—Motives for its strict observance.—Its commencement and duration.—Sentiments of Meer Hadjee Shaah on the day of fasting.—Adherence of the females to the observing this fast.—How first broken.—Devout persons extend the term to forty days.—Children permitted to try their zeal.—Calamitous effects of the experiment.—Exemptions from this duty.—Joyful termination of the fast.—Celebration of Eade on the last day.—The Nuzza.—Nautchwomen and Domenie.—Surprise of the Natives at European dancing.—Remarks on their Music.—Anecdotes of Fatima.—The Chuckee…Page 98
LETTER IX
The Hadje (Pilgrimage to Mecca).—Commanded to be performed by Mahumud.—Eagerness of both, sexes to visit the Prophet's tomb.—Qualifications requisite for the undertaking.—Different routes from India to Mecca.—Duties of the pilgrims at the Holy House.—Mecca and its environs.—Place of Abraham.—The Bedouins.—Anecdote of a devotee and two pilgrims.—A Bedouin Arab and the travellers to Mecca.—The Kaabah (Holy House).—Superstitious regard to a chain suspended there.—Account of the gold water-spout.—Tax levied on pilgrims visiting the tomb of Mahumud by the Sheruff of Mecca.—Sacred visit to the tombs of Ali, Hasan, and Hosein.—The importance attached to this duty.—Travellers annoyed by the Arabs.—An instance recorded.—The Nudghiff Usheruff.—Anecdotes of Syaad Harshim…Page 112
LETTER X
The Zuckhaut (God's portion).—Syaads restricted the benefit of this charity.—The Sutkah.—The Emaum's Zaumunee (protection).—The Tenths, or Syaads' Due.—Mussulmauns attribute thanks to God only, for all benefits conferred.—Extracts from the 'Hyaatool Kaaloob'.—Mahumud's advice.—His precepts tend to inculcate and encourage charity.—Remarks on the benevolence of Mussulmauns…Page 135
LETTER XI
Mussulmaun festivals.—Buckrah Eade.—Ishmael believed to have been
offered in sacrifice by Abraham and not Isaac.—Descent of the
Mussulmauns from Abraham.—The Eade-gaarh.—Presentation of
Nuzzas.—Elephants.—Description of the Khillaut (robe of
honour).—Customs on the day of Buckrah Eade.—Nou-Roze (New Year's
Day).—Manner of its celebration.—The Bussund (Spring-colour).—The
Sah-bund.—Observances during this month.—Festival of the New
Moon.—Superstition of the Natives respecting the influence of the
Moon.—Their practices during an eclipse.—Supposed effects of the
Moon on a wound.—Medicinal application of lime in
Hindoostaun.—Observance of Shubh-burraat.