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)

REMARKS ON THE KHORAUN. 159

" Turn from Jerusalem; and when thou
bowest down to me, face that Holy House of
Abraham, the place of sacrifice : that shall be
thy Kiblaah, O Mahumud."

Kiblaah is the point to which men bow in
worship. Kaabah is the " Holy House" where
Abraham's sacrifice was offered. Mecca is the
city or tract of country surrounding the house.

Thus they will say: "I am making my
pilgrimage to Mecca, to visit the Kaabah, which
in my Namaaz, has been my Kiblaah when
worshipping my God."

A Commentator on the Khoraun writes, in
allusion to the prevailing worldly-minded men
of his day, the following expressive definition
of the objects most worshipped by them, and
concludes with the one only Kiblaah deserving-
men's attention.

" The Sovereign's Kiblaah is His well-orna-
mented crown.

" The Sensualist's Kiblaah, The gratification
of his appetites.

" The Lover's Kiblaah, The mistress of his
heart.