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96 Arabs were not easily persuaded to desert the old object of their superstitions. A proclamation was therefore issued, that the pilgrims must relinquish their former route for the shorter and more convenient journey to the Christian church of Sanaa. The Koreish, who found the number of votaries, and consequently the profits which they derived from them, decrease, did all in their power to cry it down. Finding, however, that their endeavours had not so much effect as they expected, they had recourse to a more certain method of turning the respect of the Arabs from this new object of their devotion. The Arab tribes have been ever celebrated for their frequent ablutions, and for their peculiar abhorrence of any thing that is considered impure or polluted. One of the tribe of Kenanah, who was bribed by the guardians of the Kaaba, had been admitted to perform some of the duties appertaining to the church of Sanaa. Seizing an opportunity during the preparations for an extraordinary festival, he entered the church by night, and strewed it with dung; and then immediately fled from the town, spreading everywhere in his flight the news of the profanation of the Christian church.

The profanation of the church of Sanaa was a signal of revolt to the idolatrous tribes of the north.