Moslem Life in the Caspian Region by F. F. OSTER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 6, 1911

Moslem Life in the Caspian Region

By F. F. OSTER

F. F. OSTER

Perhaps among no other people do the outward forms of religion enter into every-day life to a greater extent than among the Moslems. One or another of their ninety-nine names for the Deity is ever on their lips. A very common expression used is, “If God wills.” Prayers are prescribed, and performed as an obligation owed their Creator. The idea of confession of sins does not appeal to the Mohammedan, and secret prayer is unknown. For public prayer a certain preparation must be made; water is poured from a vessel, and with his palm, the Moslem rubs his arm in a certain direction. He removes his sandals, and wets his toes, and then his ears; this he often does in the street. Wherever the prayer-hour finds him, whether at work or on a journey, there he spreads out his rug and repeats his prayer.

The men dye their beards and fingernails a bright red; even the horses’ manes and feet are likewise colored. The home life is simple, especially among the poorer classes. This was strikingly the case with one Persian home we visited while passing through a Tartar village. The room was about ten feet square, and the door was open to admit light. The walls lacked ornaments of any kind, and what few belongings the family possessed, lay on the ground. In the center of the room was a small, table-like rack, about eighteen inches high, under which was placed a pan of live coals. A blanket was spread over the whole to keep in the heat. This served as a stove. Beside this, and seated on a rug, sat the man and his wife warming themselves under the blanket. They had just had their tea.

After greeting the man, he asked whether we were Mussulmans. Notwithstanding my negative reply, he received us kindly, and seemed to enjoy our short visit. Strange to say, his wife remained unveiled, and took an active part in the conversation. I have found the Persians to be courteous and kind-hearted; but nothing less than the power of God can free them from the terrible deception which binds them.