Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1877-08-11
The Treasure of Islam,

The Turkish government, when in need
of funds for extraordinary purposes-for
example, the present war against Russia
makes demand upon what is called
the Treasure of Islam. This treasure is
formed from those annual offerings Of the
pilgrims which are accumulated in the
Kasbah of Mecca. These sepulchers,
which serve as offertory chests, are placed
within the court Of the mosque. Each
pilgrim daily casts into one of these
coin as an Offering, which constitutes the
aims prescribed by the Koran as one OF
the essential elements Of the merit of the
pilgrimage, which every Mussulman
should make, at least once in his life
time, to the tomb of the Prophet. Ac-
cordingly, every year about 100000 pill
grims 60 to Mecca, who sojourn there
a month, consequently sum of at least
100000 francs are annually received
in these oEertory chests. Every pill.
grim deposits an offering varying in
amount according to his means, but
which, in the average, may be estimated
as equivalent to five francs at least for
every day, considering that there are rich
Mussulmans whose offerings attain even
the amount of 100000 francs during
their pilgrimage. It results hereby that
the Cheritf of Mecca receives on the aver
age the value Of Is, O00,O 900 francs in an
nusl offerings.
One of the offertory chests was opened
during the period of the Russo Turkish
war in 1928. Several large sums were
withdrawn, but it was atterward again
closed. A second chest was again opened
in 1854, during the Crimean war; but
the third has not been opened since 14l5,
during period Of 400 years.
1nasmuch as the annual concourse Of
pilgrims has rarely fallen below 100, 900,
it is conjectured that with most liberal
allowances the accumulation of money
in the last named offertory chest cannot
be less than 900, 0OO, 900 francs, and it is
fully believed that the total amount of
the treasure of Islam will exceed Co.,
O00, 900 francs, and even attain . much
higher sum.
The present Cheriff of Mecca 10 d.
rect descendant Of the Prophet, and has
direct control of the elders who guard
the Prophets tomb. A recent demand
for pecuniary assistance has been made
upon the Cheriff, or prince; and it is his
duty 10 call . council Of the elders, Who
have authority 10 decide upon the proper
sam to be wishdzasu from the Treasare
Of Islam, 10 he expssi~a in desesaing
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