by
Gabriel for Muhammad to make the night ascent to heaven (Ante. p. 159) is
also taken out.

On the evening before the tenth day, which according to the Muslim mode of
computing time is the tenth night, the whole of the Tazias and the 'Alams
are taken out in {241} procession. It is a scene of great confusion, for
men and boys disguised in all sorts of quaint devices run about. It is the
carnival of the Musalman year.

On the following day, the 'Ashura, they kindle the fires in the Allawas,
and say a Fatiha in each 'Ashur Khana. After this the 'Alams and the Tazias
are taken away to a large open spot near water, which represents the plain
of Karbala. Another Fatiha is said, the ornaments and decorations are taken
off the Tazias, the frameworks of which are then cast into the water.[249]
Sometimes they are reserved for use the following year. The water reminds
the people of the parching thirst which Husain felt before his death. Only
the 'Alams, not the Buraqs nor the Na'l Sahibs, are immersed. The people
then burn incense, recite the Marsiyas, return home and say Fatiha over the
'Alams, Buraqs, &c. On the evening of the 12th, they sit up all night
reading the Quran, reciting Marsiyas and verses in the praise of Husain. On
the 13th day, a quantity of food is cooked which, when a Fatiha has been
said over it, is distributed to the poor. Some very pious Shia'hs celebrate
the fortieth day after the first of Muharram. It is on this day, according
to some accounts, that the head and body of Husain were reunited. It is
known as the 'Id-i-sar wa tan (head and body feast).

The Sunnis do not, except as spectators, take any part in the Muharram
ceremonies. Indeed, where the ruling power is not strong, there is often
much ill-feeling aroused by the enthusiasm excited for all that concerns
'Ali and his family. The three first Khalifs are often well abused, and
that no Sunni can bear with patience. The breach between the Sunni and the
Shia'h is very wide, and the annual recurrence of the Muharram feast tends
to keep alive the distinction.

{242}

The tenth day--the 'Ashura is, however, a Sunnat feast and, as such, is
observed by all Sunnis. It is considered to be a most excellent day, for on
it God is said to have created Adam and Eve, His throne, heaven, hell, the
seat of judgment, the tablet of decree, the pen, fate, life and death.

The Sunnis about three o'clock in the afternoon of this day prepare sherbet
and khichri--a d