Formal nature
of Islam ... PAGE 187

Note to Chapter V. Fatva on the Namaz ... PAGE 233

{vii}

CHAPTER VI.

THE FEASTS AND FASTS OF ISLAM.

Muharram--'Ashur Khana--Marsiya--Waqi'a Khan--'Alams--Ceremonies of the
'Ashura--Fatihas for 'Ali, for Hasan and Husain--Akhir-i-char Shamba--Bara
Wafat--Jashn-i-milad-i-Sharif--Asar-i-Sharif--Shab Barat--Ramazan and
'Id-ul-Fitr--'Itikaf--Sadqa--Sermon on the 'Id-ul-Fitr--Baqr-'Id or
'Id-uz-Zuha--Sermon on the 'Id-uz-Zuha--The Qurban or Sacrifice--Festival
of Madar--Festival of Salar Mas'ud Ghazi--Festival of Khaja Khizr--Feast of
Pir Dastgir Sahib--Festival of Qadir Wali Sahib ... PAGE 237

Index of Technical Terms ... PAGE 265

{ix}

* * * * *

INTRODUCTION.

It is necessary to enter into some explanation as regards the contents of
this work. It does not fall in with its plan to enter into an account
either of the life of Muhammad or of the wide and rapid spread of the
system founded by him. The first has been done by able writers in England,
France and Germany. I could add nothing new to this portion of the subject,
nor throw new light upon it. The political growth of Muslim nations has
also been set forth in various ways.

It seems to me that the more important study at this time is that of the
religious system which has grown out of the Prophet's teaching, and of its
effect upon the individual and the community. What the Church in her
missionary enterprise has to deal with, what European Governments in the
political world have to do with is Islam as it is, and as it now influences
those who rule and those who are ruled under it.

I have, therefore, tried to show from authentic sources, and from a
practical knowledge of it, what the Faith of Islam really is, and how it
influences men and nations in the present day. I think that recent Fatvas
delivered by the 'Ulama in Constantinople show how firmly a Muslim State is
bound in the fetters of an unchangeable Law, whilst the present practice of
orthodox Muslims all the world {x} over is a constant carrying out of the
precepts given in the Quran and the Sunnat, and an illustration of the
principles I have shown to belong to Islam. On this subject it is not too
much to say that there is, except amongst Oriental scholars, much
misconception.

Again, much that is written on Islam is written either in ignorant
prejudice, or from an ideal standpoint. To understand it aright, one should
k