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 2) (London, 1832)

240 OPINIONS RESPECTING SOLOMON.

LETTER XXIII.

The Soofies.—Opinion of the Mussulmauns concerning
Solomon.—-The Ood-ood.—Description of the Soofies
and their sect.—Regarded with great reverence.—Their
protracted fasts.—Their opinion esteemed by the Natives.
—Instance of the truth of their predictions.—The Saalik
and Majoob Soofies.—The poets Haafiz and Saadie.—
Character and attainments of Saadie.—His "Goolistaun."
—Anecdotes descriptive of the origin of that work.—
Farther remarks on the character and history of Saadie.
—Interesting anecdotes illustrative of his virtues and
the distinguishing characteristics of the Soofies.

The life of King Solomon, with all his acts,
is the subject of many an author's pen, both
in the Arabic and Persian languages; conse-
quently the learned Mussulmauns of Hindoo-
staun are intimately acquainted with his virtues,
his talent, and the favour with which he was
visited by the great goodness of the Almighty.