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)

180 THE FAST OF RUMZAUN.

same climate, as will sometimes be the case
with all their moveable fasts.

The Mussulmaun fast commences when the
first streak of light borders the Eastern horizon,
and continues until the stars are clearly dis-
cerned in the heavens. During this period
not the slightest particle of food, not one sin-
gle drop of water, or any other liquid, passes
the lips; the hookha even, is disallowed during
the continuance of the fast, which of itself
forms not only a luxury of great value, but
an excellent antidote to hunger.

Amongst the really religious Mussulmauns
the day is passed in occasional prayer, besides
the usual Namaaz, reading the Khoraun, or the
Lives of the Prophets. I have witnessed some,
in their happy employment of these fatiguing
days, who evinced even greater animation in
their conversation than at other times; towards
the decline of a day, when the thermometer has
stood at eighty-nine in the shade of a closed
house, they have looked a little anxious for
the stars appearing, but,—to their credit be it
told,—without the slightest symptom of impa-