Page:The young Moslem looks at life (1937).djvu/87

 STRAIGHT PATH 73

3. "I extol the perfection of my Lord, the great! Our Lord, praise unto thee." This the worshiper says three times.

4. "God is most great." He then says three times, "I extol the perfection of my Lord most high."

5. "God is most great." He then repeats 4 and 5.

6. "Peace be upon you and the mercy of God." This is said as he turns his head to the right shoulder and again as he turns it to the left to salute the recording angels of good and evil in turn.

The devout follower of Islam repeats this same form of prayer seventy-five times a day during the five periods of prayer. In addition special prayer is required at the time of an eclipse of the sun or moon, and on the two great feast days which occur each year.

That prayer is a sincere reality to the Moslem, and not merely a form, there is not the slightest doubt. Generally speaking, he takes it seriously. No one must disturb him while he is thus engaged. At times while calling on a Moslem official the writer has literally had to sit for long periods waiting for him to finish his devotions. It is true that Turkey has abolished the fez, and introduced the European hat or cap with brim or vizor, and that an effort has been made to replace prayers in Arabic by prayers in Turkish; but the rest of the Moslem world shrug their shoulders and go on their traditional way, regretful that their Turkish brothers have strayed so far from the straight path, and all the more determined to remain therein themselves.