240 THE MOHAMMEDAN PILGRIMAGE. 



quired to strip themselves naked, throw away their 

 garments, and put on the ihram or pilgrim's cloak, 

 which consists of two pieces of linen, woollen, or 

 cotton cloth; one of which is wrapped round the 

 loins, and the other thrown over the neck and shoul- 

 ders, so as to leave part of the right arm uncovered. 

 The law ordains that there shall be no seam in it, 

 no silk, nor ornament of any kind. White Indian 

 cambric, that being considered the preferable colour, 

 is generally employed for the purpose ; but rich hajjis 

 use Cashmere shawls without flowered borders. In 

 assuming it certain ceremonies are observed; such 

 as making a general ablution, saying a prayer while 

 naked, taking a few steps in the direction of Mecca, 

 and uttering pious invocations, called telbi. 



The ihram, whether taken in summer or in 

 winter, is equally inconvenient and prejudicial 

 to health. The head remains totally unprotected, 

 and exposed to the sun's rays : the instep of the foot 

 must likewise be uncovered ; so that those who wear 

 shoes instead of sandals cut a piece out of the up- 

 per leather. The northern Moslem, accustomed 

 to thick woollen clothes, find it a severe experiment 

 on their religious zeal to remain sometimes for 

 months, night and day, with no other vestment than 

 this thin garb. The ihram of the women consists of 

 a cloak, so close that not even their eyes can be seen. 

 Old age and disease are excuses for keeping the head 

 covered ; but this indulgence must be purchased by 

 giving alms to the poor. Umbrellas are not forbid- 

 den, and are used by most of the visiters from colder 

 climates ; but the natives of the south either brave 

 the sun's rays, or screen themselves by means of a 

 rag tied to a stick. Though many have died in 

 consequence of this exposure, nobody utters a com- 



