The Washington herald., 1912-03-22

passion and its enthusiasm are the Wild
fire OF blind fanaticism.
The impassioned. merciless assault upon
the enemy, however. is not the only duty
OF the Moslem during the djihad. The
Hadissehs of the prophet enjoin the full
fillment OF number of other obliga-
lions not less sacred. One Of these IS
implicit obedience to the leader OF the
campaign, whoever he may be. All per-
sonaI dislikes must cease and complete
harmony between the eu1ir or the sheikh
and the fighter must prevail. Another
duty Is patience and faithfulness and tho
determination to remain at the post to be
defended to the very last beat Of the
pulse. If need be. night after night. with
out food. without sleep.
One engaged in the holy war must not
think Of his family left at home. A
special "Hadisseh" provides that these
are cared for and attended to in the most
conscientious manner by the aged priests
unable to Join the warriors. A saying OF
the prophet, "AI ilarb hadaatoun''-I. e.,
war can only BE- successful IL the move
ments OF the army sre kept secret from
the enemy-shows that during dtihad the
Moslem does not neglect the ordinary
stratagems and tactics OF warfare Those
who read byzantine history VIII find that
the great leaders of Moslem armies could
efficiency, with the wiles and cunning OF
the early Roman warriors.
Every one engaged in holy war is called
"shehid'' or martyr. To become a She
mid, however. the warrior must be fully
conscious of the djihad taking place for
the benefit Of the faith OF Islam A SOL
der fallen in a simple battle Is not a
martyr. however much he might have
suffered for his country
A shehid refuses to accept payment,
and scorns every attempt OF making his
lot easy To him alone complete Tor
giveness of sin Is granted in the world
OF hours (Paradise). The shehids who
lose their lives on the sea are also re-
leased by Allah from all worldly debts
obligations, and promises.
A MoSlem warrior can obtain the
crown OF glory in the other world also
during an honorable retreat, II the latter
is accomplished according to the regula-
tions OF holy warfare. The most impor-
tant Of these regulations is: Retreat In
order to gather forces for renewed and
more formidable onslaught; never other-
wise"
There exists a ''Hadisseh" which en-
Joins upon every tribe adhering to the
tenets of Islam the necessity TO always
have a special, well-trained body or
fighters ready at a moments notice 10
counts for the fact of the Italians IN
TripoT having TO meet such formidable
ma sses of warriors almost Immediately
after invasion. 1t almost looked as IL
these masses were just waiting for the
enemy to come in
A shehid who Is prompted to war not
by personal interests. but solely for the
purpose of defending Allah and the faith
OF islam, Is. promised that the eternal fire
of hell shall never reach his feet. He VINO
shows unbending patience, integrity, and
eouanimity Of mind during holy war will
have respite from the tortures OF the
tomb.
To stimulate the shehid In his sacred
duties of sacrificing his life for his re-
ljgion there exists a "Hadisseh" with q
somewhat paradoxical meaning. II Is to
the following effect: Thine enemy. oh
faithful. during the djihad is not thine
enemy at all: he Is thy friend. the best OF
thy benefactors, since II Is he most or
ali who is helping thee to experience the
ecstssies OF martyrdom ana the eiiss or
eternal life"
OF the extreme ardor OF faith with
which the Mohammedans fight in their
present holy war against the Italians the
incident will give fair idea
News OF it has Just reached Constanti-
1ople, and produces among the Islam
population ther indescribable enthusiasm
One hundred and fifty warriors Of the
tribe of Ourfilah made desperate dash
upon an Italian vanguard. They were
repulsed by the latter. whose
1umbers were far superior. Determined
rot to yield, the ourfiiah men firmly
oound their feet one to another, and
swore to hold out as long as the pro-
-ision of the cartridges lasted. The fight
.nded in a defeat OF the Italians. The
,IosIem commander OF the brave $50 had
hen to cut their fetters.
The Italians In their attempts TO crush
'uch fanaticism OF holy warfare have IN
Itituted in Tripoli regime OF veritsbie
error. II is said that hundreds of Arabs
ire executed by them every day. This
,niy increases the feelings OF utter Bit
erness and desperate hatred. and makes
he task Of the Italians TO subject the
population so much more difficult.