Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 1) (London, 1832)

CELEBRATION OF MAHURRUM. 29

LETTER II.

Celebration of Mahurrum.—The Tazia.—Mussulmaun Ce-
meteries.— An Emaum-baarah.—Piety of the ladies.—
Self-inflicted abstinence and privations endured by each
sex.-—Instances of the devotional zeal of the Mussul-
mauns.—Attempted infringement on their religious for-
malities.—The Resident at Lucknow.—Enthusiastic ardour
of the poor.—Manner of celebrating the Mahurrum in
opposition to the precepts of the Khoraun.—Mosque and
Emaum-baarah contrasted.—The supposition of Mussul-
mauns practising idolatry confuted.

My former Letter prepares you for the cele-
bration of Mahurrum, the observance of which
is at this time going forward here (at Lucknow,)
with all that zealous emulative spirit and enthu-
siasm which I have before remarked the Mus-
sulmaun population of India entertain for their
Emaums (leaders), and their religion.

This annual solemn display of the regret and
veneration they consider due to the memory of