sunrise to one half hour after sunset, or
till it becomes too dark for a man to discriminate between red and
black thread. During this time they abstain from eating, drinking, and
smoking. The poor class work till noon. The rich do not work at all.
The most of the day is spent in reciting the Koran, praying and
sleeping. Christians cannot eat in the street, for the Moslems might
long to eat too, or even take a taste, and thus break their fast. Boys
and girls above eight years must fast, while sick men are not compelled
to during this month. However when they recover they are required to
fast thirty days as soon as they are able. They do not converse much in
the day but wear a sad countenance. They do not allow a Christian to
speak to them. At morning and evening in the cities a cannon is fired
for the beginning and ending of the fast. During this month much alms
is given. The lords and princes especially send meals from their table.
They believe fasting and giving secure absolute forgiveness of sins and
admittance to heaven. The night is changed to a feast. They eat and
drink and converse till twelve o'clock. Then they retire but are up
again at three and eat and drink till one hour before sun is down.
Death among them occurs most often in that month because many eat too
much. So many different meals hurt their stomach and they fall sick and
die. The Mohammedans say they go to heaven for its gates are open
during this month for Musselmen. Hundreds of them eat everything they
want and at any time of the day. They do not believe in fasting: But
they must be careful that the high priest does not catch them breaking
the fast, for he would punish such offence severely. The writer has
seen many Mohammedans eating in this month. They would eat and smoke in
their houses and then wash out their mouths and tell everyone they were
fasting. Thousands fast either for their own glory or from the fear of
men.

CHAPTER IX.

THE PILGRIMAGES.

Islam's religion has many holy places and it is the duty of every
Mohammedan to visit these shrines unless circumstances hinder him.
Pilgrimages secure not only forgiveness of sins, but a great reputation
as well. Of all Mohammedan shrines there are four most remarkable.
Medina is the first. It was the birthplace of Mohammed. Here he lived
till he was six years old when his mother, Amina, died. A slave girl
faithfully nourished him and took him to Mecca. But his last days were
spent in