, all the northern parts of this continent, acknowledge its
sway. {287} From Arabia and Egypt it spread west and south nearly to
the great rivers. It is the established religion of Morocco; and in
Western Barbary and several kingdoms of the interior the Arabic
language is spoken, the Koran believed, and the Prophet almost
worshipped. The Senegal, up to the small Moorish state of Gedumah, is
the line of division between the Mohammedans and the Negroes: from
thence the line passes eastward of north, through Nigritia and Nubia to
the Nile. As yet, however, it is but indistinctly marked, it being
doubtful whether Timbuctoo is a Mohammedan or Negro town. The courts
of Bornou and Cassina are Mohammedan, but a majority of their subjects
are pagans. Islamism in these vast territories is in an exceedingly
degenerate state when compared with either its first development in the
Arabian desert, or with what now obtains in Turkey. It is said that
but little more than its exclusive persecuting spirit remains: the
Oriental lustrations are almost unknown, Mohammedan temperance is
neglected, and the great doctrine of the unity of God is confounded
with, or supplanted by, the polytheism of the native inhabitants. The
Mussulman is more depraved than the pagan; so that, while travellers
frequently mention the hospitality they received from the latter, by
the former they were constantly insulted and annoyed on account of
{288} their religion. In no quarter of the world does the faith of the
Prophet wear so frightful an aspect as in Africa.

The region from which Mohammedanism first sprung has not remained in
all respects faithful to the precepts of the Prophet. In Mecca and
Medina, indeed, his name and system are held in the profoundest
veneration; and no wonder, since both these cities are mainly supported
by the superstitious observances enjoined in the Koran; but the
Bedouins are as licentious in their religion as in their policy and
habits. On the Turkish frontiers they keep up an appearance of respect
for the name of the Prophet and his doctrines; but, in answer to all
reproaches for their unfaithfulness, they say in words worthy a better
taught and more civilized race, "The religion of Mohammed could never
have been intended for us. We have no water in the desert. How, then,
can we make the prescribed ablutions? We have no money. How, then,
can we give alms? The fast of Ramadan is a useless command to persons
who fast