DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4649#0149
130 FUNERAL SERVICE
and preparing the dead body for interment.
They then take the corpse out of the coffin and
thoroughly bathe it; when dry, they rub
pounded camphor on the hands, feet, knees,
and forehead, these parts having, in the me-
thod of prostrating at prayer, daily touched
the ground; the body is then wrapped neatly in
a winding sheet of white calico, on which has
been written particular chapters from the
Khoraun :* this done, it is taken up with
great gentleness and laid in the grave on the
side, with the face turned towards Mecca.
The officiating Maulvee steps solemnly into the
* The religious man generally prepares his own winding
sheet, keeping it always ready, and occasionally taking out
this monitor to add another verse or chapter, as the train of
thought may have urged at the time. I have seen this done
by the Meer Hadjee Shaah, who appropriated a piece of fine
white cambric muslin, he had received from me, to this
sacred purpose. I have often been a silent observer of my
revered friend whilst he was engaged in writing passages
from the book whose rules he lived by. The anticipated
moment when he should require this his kuffin dress, was
never clouded by dread, but always looked forward to with
cheerfulness and fervent hope; for he trusted in the mercy
of God whom he loved and worshipped.
and preparing the dead body for interment.
They then take the corpse out of the coffin and
thoroughly bathe it; when dry, they rub
pounded camphor on the hands, feet, knees,
and forehead, these parts having, in the me-
thod of prostrating at prayer, daily touched
the ground; the body is then wrapped neatly in
a winding sheet of white calico, on which has
been written particular chapters from the
Khoraun :* this done, it is taken up with
great gentleness and laid in the grave on the
side, with the face turned towards Mecca.
The officiating Maulvee steps solemnly into the
* The religious man generally prepares his own winding
sheet, keeping it always ready, and occasionally taking out
this monitor to add another verse or chapter, as the train of
thought may have urged at the time. I have seen this done
by the Meer Hadjee Shaah, who appropriated a piece of fine
white cambric muslin, he had received from me, to this
sacred purpose. I have often been a silent observer of my
revered friend whilst he was engaged in writing passages
from the book whose rules he lived by. The anticipated
moment when he should require this his kuffin dress, was
never clouded by dread, but always looked forward to with
cheerfulness and fervent hope; for he trusted in the mercy
of God whom he loved and worshipped.