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)

THE MUSSULMAUN SABBATH. 155

not the slightest ornament allowed within the
walls; the floor is matted, and a plain wooden
mhembur (pulpit) is provided. Shoes never
enter within the precincts of the mosque ; "Put
off thy shoes" is strictly observed by Mussul-
mauns in all sacred places—a man praying with
shoes on his feet would be accounted mad
or a heathen.

The Sabbath of the Mussulmauns is kept on
Friday, commencing on the preceding night,
after the manner of the Jews, only with the
difference of the day.

As a religious rest, the Sabbath is but par-
tially observed with Mussulmauns. The Soo-
nies, I have remarked, pay much more attention
to its institutions than the Sheahs; but with
either sect, the day is less strictly kept, than
might have been expected from people who
really seem to make religion their study, and
the great business of their lives. Both sects
have extra prayers for the day besides the usual
Namaaz, which the religious people perform
with great punctuality, whether they carry their
devotions to the mosque, or offer their prayers