MECCA. 225 



kisses the hand of the elder, and the inferior that of 

 his superior in rank ; while the latter returns the 

 compliment by a salute on the forehead. Indivi- 

 duals of equal rank and age in the middle classes 

 mutually kiss each other's hand. In the ceremony 

 of shaking hands they lay hold of the thumb with 

 the whole hand, pressing it, and again opening the 

 hand three or four times : this is said to have been 

 the practice of Mohammed. 



The vices of pilfering and theft are not prevalent 

 at Mecca; robberies are seldom heard of; although 

 rogues avail themselves of such opportunities during 

 the pilgrimage, and are tempted by the negligence of 

 the inhabitants in not using locks or bars. The streets 

 abound with beggars, who are entirely supported by 

 the charity of strangers. Many adopt mendicity as 

 a profession, and have a ready stock of pious sen- 

 tences which they address to all passengers. Some 

 of them are extremely importunate, and demand 

 alms in a tone of authority little accordant with 

 their condition. Mecca is called the paradise of beg- 

 gars, and this may account both for the number 

 and the insolence of that class. The Meccawees are 

 proud of being natives of the Holy City and coun- 

 trymen of their Prophet. In this respect they con- 

 sider themselves favoured beyond all other nations, 

 and under the special care of Providence. The con- 

 sequence is, that they are haughty and intolerant 

 towards Christians and Jews, who profess a different 

 creed ; and though they do not openly persecute them, 

 their name is always coupled with some opprobrious 

 and contemptuous epithet. The sincerity of their own 

 profession, however, does not correspond with their 

 outward zeal. Such of them as have no particular 



