e a class of priests, more learned and devout, who work as the
revivalists of their religion. On holidays, which are quite frequent,
the mosques are crowded with worshipers, when one of these priests
mounts an elevated pulpit with great ostentation and in an impressive
voice begins to read or repeat Koran. He will chant traditions of the
prophets and martyrs and relate pathetic stories of the noble
sacrifices of departed heroes of the faith. His charming tones and
utterances have much effect on his audience and men and women weep and
beat their breasts.

THE GARMENTS OF MUJ-TA-HID.

The Muj-ta-hid wears underclothes of white linen, his long coat is made
of woolen cloth. His outer cloak is a robe that hangs to the feet. This
robe is quite expensive, being made of the fur of animals, and is dyed
yellow. They believe it a duty to wear a robe of skin as a sign of
meekness. The robes cost from $50 to $500. He wears a girdle of white
linen in many folds. His turban is large and white. The light, heelless
shoes cover only half of his feet. When he goes out he has a fine staff
in his hand, the handle being of gold or silver. From ten to twenty
servants accompany him, some stepping before, others after him. Men of
all class rise and salute him by bowing with their hands across their
breast. Many men kiss the shoes of the high Muj-ta-hids.

THE PLACE OF SAY-YIDS IN MOHAMMEDANISM.

Mohammedanism is divided into two great sects:--viz. Shiites and
Sunnites. Both hold Mohammed to be the Prophet and Savior of mankind
and Koran to be the holy bible, written by the finger of God and given
to Mohammed through the mediation of Gabriel. But they differ in their
belief as to who are the true successors of Mohammed. Shiites claim
that Ali the son-in-law and nephew of Mohammed was Caliph, while
Sunnites contend that four disciples of Mohammed were his true
successors. This difference led to war and bloodshed and gave rise to a
permanent division in Mohammedanism.

Persia generally belongs to the Shiites tribe. They receive Ali as the
Caliph after Mohammed. The descendants of Ali are therefore held in
high esteem and rank in Persia. They are called Say-yids, which means
prophets and masters and they have privileges that do not belong to
common men. They are very zealous to perpetuate their own sect. From
the time of Ali they have kept a careful record of their genealogy.
This book of testimony called Sajjara, is given from father to s