The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1888-01-28
THE RAMADAN FEAST.
A Month Which Faithful MosIems Spend
in Prayer and Fasting.

Month Which Faithful MosIems Spend
in Prayer and Fasting.
Ramadan-that terrible month of
Of daily fasting and mighty Fasting
is. like the Chinese new year, governed
by the moon. This year. precisely at
the moment the new moon became
visible, the evening of May %, Rama
dan began and continued throughout
the lunar month. The origin of this
long fast seems shrouded in mystery,
rs it is said to have been observed by
he lire-worshipers long before Mahomet
Ali, who thought the command to all
true believers to fast thus eleven
months in the year was quite too much
to require Of mortal flesh; through the
Angel Gabriel he therefore besought the
Great Spirit to reduce the time one
half. Finding this still heavy trial,
he again interceded and got the time
fixed at one lunar month, where it
still remains, and no doubt thousands
of Mohamedans ardently wish the time
much more reduced. By the more in
telligent class it is less religously
observed each passing year. but to the
pious peasantry it still means real
penance, rs they faithfully abstain
from food drink, and even from the
use OF tobacco, during the entire day.
Even the "Hamals' (who are the real
beasts of burden here) are so con-
scientious about keeping this fast,
that, with every nerve quivering with
fatigue, and in torment with hunger
they will stand with tempting NOR
sci in hand watching the declining
sun patiently waiting until the sunset
gong is heard, then devour it in beast
like haste. In homes of affluencc the
deyoutly inclined sit at their tables,
with fork or spoon in hand. waiting
also for the welcome boom of cannon
before they can begin their nightly
feasting. AS rule. they turn night
into day and vice versa. Still it is
supposed some sleep is INDUCED in, as
precisely at twelve o'clock Il patrol
passes through each street with a
large drum, bent upon awakening all
sIeepers to a midnight feast. which
may be prolonged until the morning
twilight. Then the mouth must be
carefully clcaused and the fast re-
sumed.
When the luxurious liver feels con-
strained to observe this fast, he is said
TO resort to many ingenious devices to
allay suffering. One of the most sue
cessful has been a pill of opium,
wrapped in one, two and three, or
more coverings of gold foil, all to be
swallowed before retiring. AS these
coverings are gradually dissolved, the
| opium holds them for long hours in
the desired oblivion. 1t is now said
that but few of the aristocracy of
Turkey pay any heed to this fast, still
they dare not publicly disregard it.
The Sultan is credited with setting an
example of strict observance. If he
does so literally, he must neither eat,
drink nor smoke during the long sum-
mer day. Even to indulge in de-
lightful and refreshing perfume is sin.
This month of fasting is supposed
to be a revival season" to the Mos
lens. in which they are to devote much
time to the study of the Koran. Hos
pitali,y, alms-giving, prayer and
peacefulness are to be especially
cultivated. You hear of the rich man
standing at his door at sunset to salute
and invite to his table the poor who
happen to pass by, sending them on
their way rejoicing in presents of
money; but you see little of this to-
day.-C0r SIN francisco Chronicle.