THE KORAN.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2860, 15 April 1878, Page 2

THE KORAN.

: The Koran is divided into thirty equal parts, and each of these is"again divided into two. This division is made without reference to the suras, br even subjsete or paragraphs. Every mosque or chapel has thirty or sixty readers, according to its wealth, to each of whom is ascigned one of these thirty or sixty parts for public reading; and thus it ii that the entire Koran is read each day in every mosque and chapel. "The fundamental teachings of the Koran are five in number, viz.: 1. A pure and simple monotheism: "God is God, the eternal God. He begetteth not neither is he begotten;-and there is none.like■ uto him." 2. Mohammed, the prophet- of God, and his vicegerent upon earth in all things, whether temporal of spiritual. The most significant sentence of the Koran, and the most frequently heard and seen, is that which has been quoted in another connection:—"There is *S God but God, and Mohammed is bit prophet." 3. The Koran itself, the only and sufficient revelation of God's will, and the infallible rule, of faith practice in affairs religious, moral, sociaL and civil. .4. The imperative duty of proppgating his faith everywhere, at tit times, and by all means, and most especially by " holy war," and by legal "alme'' for carrying on this war. 5. A system of rewards and punishments, embracing heaven and hell as described, with an ill journey to the latter. Its incidental teachings of a moral and ceremonial character embrace the following among others :— 1. Prayers at the mosque, practicable, five times a day, vi«. r }bb« mediately.after sunset}, at nightfall,"an hour and a half after sunset \ at day* break; at midday; and at an hour and a half before sunset. At these hours may be heard the sonorous call of the mueszin from the.. minaret of every mosque:—" Allah is great, and there is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is the Prophet of Allah; Come* to prayer." 2. Fasting. The entire month'of Ifemadan is spent in fasting, whioh is kept by the devout Mohammedan with astonishing faithfulness from morning until night, not tasting so muoh as a crumb of bread or taking a drop of coffee, water, or other beverage, or even allowing himself to breathe aromatic odours, while at night only the slightest refreshment is taken. During this time they abstain also from all other forms of sensual gratification ; 3. Ablutions. The washing of the bands and artns tq the elbows, and,of the face and net before prayers, with cleanliness and deeeney of apparel, are also enjoined.. Hence a ftani tain of running water is found beside evegr mosque and ebapel. Among no people v personal cleanliness more universal, and the Mussulman quarter of any city if more, plean than the Jewish. — International Heview.