1382. "j IBN BATUTA IN THE Ifc&LDTfBS AND CEYLON. 15 



** 1 will go to night in thy daughters stead." At that time, he 

 was entirely beardless. He was conducted the night following 

 to the idol temple -.after he had done his ablutions. There he 

 set himself to recite tire Kuran, then by the window he per- 

 ceived the demon, and continued his recitation. As soon as 

 the Jinni came within hearing of the Kuran, he plunged into 

 the sea ; and when the dawn was come, the Maghrabin was still 

 occupied in reciting the Kuran. The old woman, her relatives 

 and the people of the island came to take away the girl, accord- 

 ing to their custom, and to burn the corpse. They found the 

 stranger reciting the Kur&o, and conducted him to their King, 

 t>y name Chenourdzah* whom they informed of this adventure. 

 The King was astonished : the Maghrabin proposed to him to em- 

 brace Islam, and inspired him with a desire for it. Then said 

 4Jhenourdzah to him — " Remain with us till next month, and if 

 3 r ou do again as you have just done and escape the evil Jinni, 

 I will be converted." The stranger remained with the idolaters 

 and God disposed the heart of the King to receive the true 

 faith. He became Musalman before the end of the month, 

 as well as his wives, children and court. At the beginning 

 of the following month the Maghrabin was conducted to the 

 idol-temple ; but the demon came not, and the Berber recited the 

 Kurdn till the morning, when the Sultan and his subjects arrived 

 and found him so employed. Then they broke the idols, and 

 razed the temple to the ground. The people of the island em- 

 braced Islam, and sent messengers to the other islands, whose in- 

 habitants were also converted. The Maghrabin remained among 

 them, and enjoyed their high esteem. The natives made pro- 

 fession of his doctrine, which was that of the Imdn Malic. Even 

 at present they respect the Maghrabins for his sake. He built a 

 mosque, which is known by his name. I have also read the fol- 

 lowing inscription graven in wood on the enclosed pulpit of the 



* Chenourazak : — Cf. S. Senarat 1 King (Chief Commander) of the army 3 

 and Smevlratna ' the gem-like General.'— -J?. 



