The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-10-11
A MOHAMMEDAN MOSQUE.
a Privilege Which Has Been Accorded
to Few Ladies'.
Correspondence of Churchman

Correspondence of Churchmdn.
Few ladies are permitted to enter a
Mohammedan mosque, but while in Mauri-
titus, through the intercession of those high
III authority, permission was obtained for
my husband and myself to visit the only
one on the island, and time set for our
visit.
AT the appointed time we walked to the
mosque In company with several gentle
men, and were presented to and cordially
received by the Arab bishop, man of me-
dunn hight, with clear, dark complexion,
piercing black eyes and wearing heavy
black moustache; he was dressed in a flow
ing robe of white linen which reached to his
feet with very full sleeves gathered into :.
Oand at the wrist, and on his head an
immense white turban. Sandals completed
his costume. He spoke good English and
semed pleased at our desire to visit the
mosque.
After conducting us through long cor
rldor we came into the paved court which
is the center of the building, and raised
about three steps above the corridor; this
court has no roof, but awnings are arranged
over 1t during the heat of the day. Before
going up the steps the bishop removed his
sandals and politely asked us to take off
our shoes. We complied with his request
and then entered the sacred inclosure; on
our left was a large reservoir sunk 10 the
III.
which was constantly being changed by
pipes leading in at one end and out at the
other. In the center of the basin upon a
mound OF earth all kinds of aquatic plants
were growing with shells tastefully ar
ranged among them. low stone seats were
placed round the pool and here before 60
ing into service the faithful performed
their ablutions; only the men attend church
no women are allowed in the mosque. The
neck Foot bod
and carefully dried in large red handker-
chief which is carried inside the short
round jacket. After bathing, a believer
turns himself toward the place of worship,
bows Till his forehead touches the pave
ment, then advances few steps upon the
knees and bows again. This is an evidence
of his devotion. and the longer the distance
he travels in this way the more devout he
is thought to be.
We entered the sacred precinct from the
court, passing under arches supported by a
row of handsome pillars; it is long and
rather narrow hall. with small desk, be-
| hind which the bishop stands when rreach-
| ing, but during prayers, which occur sever
| al times day, he does not GO into the pull
pit; no seats are required in the church, as
the worshIpers sit cross-legged on the
| floor.
| Around the court is covered gallery,
and here we saw several people lying asleep,
with packages of goods beside them. We
asked who they were, and were told that
strangers of that faith who come there
! looking for work are considered to be under
the care of the church till they find some
thing to do, or are ready to leave the coun-
| try, and are lodged in this way.
AS We emerged from the mosque the
| bishop invited us to take tea with him in
half an hour at his house, and meet his
wives; we gladly accepted, and at the ex-
| piration of that time presented ourselves at
his door. He met us in the court yard in a
fresh suit of white linen. the turban and
sandals gorgeous with jewels and his hands
covered with rings. We were presented to
three of his wives and several children, who
were all richly dressed and spoke little
English. There is fourth wife who has q
separate establishment of her own, but if he
should marry again she would move into
the house with the other three.
Tea was offered us in delicate china cups.
and after refreshing ourselves and convers-
ing with them for short time we made
our adieu and departed.