226 HEJAZ. 



interest in assuming the appearance of extreme strict- 

 ness are very negligent in observing both the forms 

 and precepts of their religion, thinking it enough to 

 utter pious ejaculations in public, or comply in tri- 

 vial matters. In imitation of the Prophet, their 

 mustachios are cut short, and their beard kept re- 

 gularly under the scissors ; in like manner they al- 

 low the ends of the turban to fall loosely over the 

 cap; they put antimony on their eyelids, and 

 have always a messouak or toothbrush in their 

 hands, because such was the custom of Mohammed. 

 They know by heart many passages of the Koran and 

 the sacred traditions, and quote or allude to them 

 every moment ; but they forget that these precepts 

 were given for rules of conduct, and not for mere 

 repetition. They excuse themselves from the duty 

 of almsgiving, by saying that Providence ordained 

 them to receive charity, not to bestow it ; and in- 

 stead of attending the Friday's prayers, as every 

 Moslem is bound to do, the mosque is filled chiefly 

 with strangers, while the inhabitants are seen smok- 

 ing in their shops. The law prohibiting wine is 

 evaded, so as to become almost a dead letter. In- 

 toxicating liquors are sold at the very gates of the 

 Temple ; neither the sanctity of the place nor the so- 

 lemn injunctions of the Koran can deter them from 

 indulging in all the excesses which are the usual con- 

 sequences of drunkenness. The Indian fleet imports 

 large quantities of raki in barrels ; and when mixed 

 with sugar and an extract of cinnamon, it is sold 

 under the name of cinnamon-water. The rich mer- 

 chants, ulemas, and grandees, are in the habit of 

 drinking this liquor, which they persuade themselves 

 is neither wine nor brandy, and therefore not pro- 



