AND ITS FOUNDER. ' 37^ 



ignorance, an equal degree of bigotry, and aversion to every species of 

 religious innovation. Tlie tribe of JVaziri were particularly distinguished 

 by their detestation of the Hindus; and perhaps the knowledge that Ba'y- 

 EziD had acquired his religious opinions in the Penjdb, might co-operate 

 in causing his want of success, as well as the circumstance of his having 

 been a native of the country, and bred among them. 



On leaving JVingarhdr, Ba yezid proceeded to Pokhtankhd , or AJ'ghd- 

 nistdn proper, and took up his residence among the Afghans of Gharihil, 

 who reside in the vicinity of Paishdwer, towards the N. E. of that city. 

 The Gharihcl Afghdfis, who are of the tribe Khalil, were in a ^reat mea- 

 sure devoid of learning, and even of that species of theological know- 

 ledge, which the Moslems often cultivate, almost to the exclusion of every 

 other. The artful impostor had little difficulty, in seducing to his purposes^ 

 men of this rude and simple chara61:er. He announced himself as a Pesh-- 

 wa or religious leader, and Ptr or spiritual guide ; he informed them that 

 no one but an able and perfe6l religious instru6lor could display the true 

 way of God ; and that no person could be approved of God, who did not 

 chuse for himself a rehgious instructor. " Now therefore" said he, " come 

 unto me, that I may bring you unto God ; for the holy Kordn direfts you 

 to seek after the divine union, and it is only through the intervention of a 

 perfe6l P/r, that this union can be accomplished." The simple and ig- 

 norant Afghdns took his assertions for truth ; not knowing, says my 

 author, that in the Commentaries of Ba'iza'wi, the union mentioned in 

 this text, is explained, as denoting the performance of religious duty, and 

 the avoiding of sin. Moreover it is said, that except in conformity to the 

 •words of the prophet, there is no path towards God. 



'" Tins apostate" continues Akhu'n-Dekwe zeh " composed many i^^- 



W 4 



