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)

FUNERAL RITES OVER THE TAZIA. 93

good Mussulmauns rigidly fast until after the
third watch; not even a drop of water, or the
hookha, enters their mouths;—as they believe
Hosein's sufferings only concluded just before
the third watch, they cautiously abstain from
indulgences, until that hour has passed.

The procession having reached Kraabaallah,
the whole ceremony of a funeral is gone through.
The Tazia is committed to the grave with equal
solemnity to that which is observed when their
dead are deposited in the tomb: this occupies
some time. I never witnessed the movements
at Kraabaallah,—the season of the year, the
confusion, and the anticipated feuds between
Sheahs and Soonies, ever deterred me from
gratifying my curiosity. It is always expected
that the bad feelings between the two sects,
amongst the lower orders of the people, may
produce a real battle on the imitative ground
of Kraabaallah; and I have heard of many such
terminations of the Mahurrum at Lucknow,
where the enthusiastic Sheahs and Soonies—
having reserved their long hatred for a favour-
able opportunity of giving it vent,—have found