Part 8 (1/2)

[11] _Missi_, from _mis_, 'copper', because copper-filings form its chief ingredient, to which are added myrobalan, gall-nuts, vitriol, &c.

The custom is based on the Arab admiration for the rose-red colour of the inner lip.--Burton, _A Thousand Nights and A Night_, iii. 365.

[12] _Kajal_.

[13] _Nath_, a love-token presented to the bride by the bridegroom. The very mention of it is considered indelicate.

[14] They generally adopt an odd number.

[15] _Suar_.

[16] _Nim_ (_Melia Azidirachta_).

[17] _Babul_ (_Acacia arabica_).

[18] _Gulbadan_, 'with body like a rose', a fine silk fabric.

[19] _Mashru_ 'conformable to law', a silk-cotton cloth, which--but not pure silk--a Musulman can wear during prayer.

[20] _Zerband_, 'fastening below', 'a girth'.

[21] _Angiya_.

[22] _Shabnam_. The finest varieties of these cloths were made at Dacca.

Aurungzeb is said to have remonstrated with his daughter for wearing what he thought to be a _Coa vestis_. She answered that she wore seven folds of this cloth.

[23] _Har_, a necklace, an embroidered garland thrown round the neck of a visitor on his departure, as a mark of respect. These garlands were subst.i.tuted for the pearl necklaces which, in former days, were presented to guests.

[24] 'Stockings are never worn [in the Zenana]: but I have seen little coloured stockings, made of the wool from Cashmir, worn at times during the cold season.'--Mrs. Parks, _Wanderings of a Pilgrim_, i. 456.

[25] According to the traditions, the Prophet said, 'Change the whiteness of your hair, but not with anything black'. The first Caliph is said to have dyed his beard red with henna. Nowadays indigo is largely used.

LETTER VI

The Mussulmaun religion.--Sectarians.--Their difference of faith.--History of the Soonies.--The Caliphas Omir, Osman, Aboubuker, &c.--Mahumud's parting charge to Ali.--Omir's jealousy of Ali.--The Khoraun.--How compiled.--The Calipha Omir held in detestation.--Creed of the Sheahs.--Funeral service.--Opinions of the Mussulmauns respecting the Millennium.--The foundation of their faith exhibited.--Sentiments of the most devout followers of Mahumud.--Bridge of Sirraat, the Scales, &c. explained.--Emaum Mhidhie.--Prophecy of his reappearance.--Its early fulfilment antic.i.p.ated.--Discourse with the Meer Hadjee Shaah on this subject.

I do not presume to offer opinions on the nature, substance, or character, of the Mussulmaun Faith; but confine myself to the mere relation of such facts as I have received from the best possible authority, viz. the religious men who are of that faith, and live in strict accordance with the tenets they profess.

There are two sects of the Mussulmaun persuasion, as I have before remarked, viz. the Sheahs and the Soonies. The leaders of the former are called Emaums; and those of the latter Caliphas. The Sheahs acknowledge Ali and his immediate descendants (eleven in number) 'the right and only lawful Emaums', in succession, after Mahumud. The Soonies declare the Caliphas--as Omir, Aboubuker, &c.--to be their lawful leaders after Mahumud.

I do not find that there is any great difference in the points of faith between the two sects; they are equally guided by the same laws and ordinances inculcated by Mahumud in the Khoraun;--the Sheahs pursuing the pattern of observances traced out in the life and manners of Ali and his descendants;--and the Soonies taking their examples from the manners of the Caliphas. There is a distinguis.h.i.+ng method in ablutions before prayers, and also in the manner of bowing and prostrating in their devotional exercises;[1] this difference, however, has nothing to do with their faith,--the subject and form of their daily prayer is one; but both sects have extra services for particular occasions, agreeable to the instruction of their favourite leaders. The Namaaz (daily prayer) was taught by Mahumud to his followers, every line of which is religiously reverenced by Mussulmauns, and cannot be altered by sectarian principles.

The Mussulmaun faith is founded on three roots; from these spring, with the Sheahs, six branches; with the Soonies, five. The roots are as follows:--

First.--'There is but one G.o.d, self existing; ever was, and ever will be; in Whom is all Power, Majesty, and Dominion; by Whom all things are, and were created. With Whom is neither partner or substance:[2] and He alone is to be wors.h.i.+pped.'

Second.--'The Prophets were all true; and all their writings to be relied on, with a true faith.'