The Maccabaean

On landing for the first time at Jaffa, and whilst the tourist is wending his way through the narrow lanes of the Custom House into the Bazaar, many queer objects will have passed his view. But the first impression will reverse this peculiarity into a sort of admiration for everything oriental and ancient.

The Muslims pray five times daily, at dawn, midday, afternoon, at the setting of the sun, and two hours in advance of night, correspond.. ing to about 8 p. m., European time. On the approach of prayer time, the Eman, or Cherzan, ascends to the highest steeple of the mosque, and, turning to the four quarters of the globe, proclaims to the faithful, the Islam formula: “L’Allaeh, Muhamed Reshul Allah”— “God is the only One, and Mohammed is His Apostle,” and some other chosen verses of the Koran. The devout Muslim may be engaged with customers, but on hearing the call for prayers, he will politely request them to wait until he has gone through the proscribed prostrations.

I have often gazed in wonder and admiration at the Arab, who, when the time of worship has arrived, would spread his garment on the sand, and with an air of solemnity, offer up praises to Allah. All Muslims prostrate themselves towards Mecca, and are heedful to wash their hands and feet before doing so.

The sixth day, Friday, is the Lord's Day, on which the mosques are frequented, but businesses are open and labor continues unceasingly.

The month of Ramhadan has been appointed as the time for self-denial and fasting. [rom dawn to sunset, the Muslims will fast, the more pious not even indulging in smoking. All coffee houses are closed.

The day is generally spent by some in preparing various salads (of which all Arabs are exceedingly fond), and by others in meditations. At sunset a cannon is fired, which announces the break of the fast. Immediately

there is hurry and bustle, the cafes are opened, and the main streets are lighted by lanterns Thousands collect in the coffee houses, where they sıt on small footstools, drinking black, unsweetened coffee, playing Turkish draughts, or listening to the stories of the Koran oı the allegories of the poets, which the story teller narrates with an earnest and despondant air

Two hours ere daybreak the faithful are aroused by the crier to partake of food, before entering the course of the next fasting day.

For thirty days this strange ceremony is gone through, at the conclusion of which follow three days of feasting, designated “The Feast of Ramhadan.” Then the towns present a lively appearanıe. The streets are decorated with bunting and the crescent, and the consulates fly the flags of their respective countries. The military and civil ofhcials are robed in their best uniforms, and each one does homage to his superior by reverently saluting thrice, and by kissing the hand.

After seventy days following the "Feast of Sacrifices," or "Eid El-Kurban." On this festival it is counted a meritorious deed to slaughter sheep, it being the day when the pilgrims at Mecca offer up their sacrifices in honor of Mohammed. Excepting these two festivals (which are not obligatory) the Muslim is exempt from religious burdens.

One thing is remarkable and worthy of notice, namely, the manner in which their holidays are spent. Liquor being forbidden, there seldom happens any disorders, and more so, as far as the domestic circle is concerned. To call a Muslim "Schakran" (Drunkard), is an unpardonable insult. This wise prohibition of Mohammed had done much to soothe the hearts of the excited Arabs, and if it be continued in future will be more beneficial to order in Palestine, more than if it were in charge of hosts of policemen.