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)

EMAUM-BAARAH CONTRASTED. 55

It is rather from their respect to the Founder
of their religion and his descendants, than any
part of their profession of faith, that the Mussul-
maun population of Hindoostaun are guided by
in these displays, which are merely the fashion
of other people whom they imitate; and with
far different motives to the weak-minded Hin-
doos, who exalt their idols, whilst the former
thus testify their respect to worthy mortals
only. This is the explanation I have received
from devout Mussulmauns, who direct me to
remark the strong similarity,—in habit only,
where "the faith" is not liable to innovations,—
between themselves, and the Hindoo popula-
tion;—the out-of-door celebrations of marriage
festivals, for instance, which are so nearly re-
sembling each other, in the same classes of
society, that scarcely any difference can be
discovered by the common observer.

Idolatry is hateful to a Mussulmaun, who
acknowledges " one only true God," and " him
alone to be worshipped." They respect, vene-
rate, love, and would imitate, their acknowledg-
ed Prophet and the Emaums, (who succeeded