[FN#307] Poor human nature! How sad to compare ita pretensions with its actualities.
[FN#308] Complete ablution is rendered necessary chiefly by the emission of semen either in copulation or in nocturnal pollution. The water must be pure and not less than a certain quantity, and it must touch every part of the skin beginning with the right half of the person and ending with the left. Hence a plunge-bath is generally preferred.
[FN#309] Arab. "Ta'mνm," lit. crowning with turband, or tiara, here=covering, i.e. wetting.
[FN#310] This practice (saying "I purpose to defer the washing of the feet," etc.) is now somewhat obsolete.
[FN#311] Arabs have a prejudice against the hydropathic treatment of wounds, holding that water poisons them: and, as the native produce usually contains salt, soda and magnesia, they are justified by many cases. I once tried water-bandages in Arabia and failed dismally.
[FN#312] The sick man says his prayers lying in bed, etc., and as he best can.
[FN#313] i.e. saying, "And peace be on us and on the worshippers of Allah which be pious."
[FN#314] i.e. saying, " I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the
Stoned."
[FN#315] Certain parts should be recited aloud (jahr) and others sotto voce (with mussitation=Khafi). No mistake must be made in this matter where a Moslem cannot err.
[FN#316] Hence an interest of two-and-a-half percent is not held to be "Ribα" or unlawful gain of money by money, usury.