Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/126

 Rh of that devotional service which every Muslim is required to render to God at least five times a day, and which, undoubtedly, exercises so great an influence upon the character of the followers of Muhammad.

It is absolutely necessary that the service should be performed in Arabic; and that the clothes and body of the worshipper should be clean, and that the praying place should be free from all impurity. It may be said either privately, or in company, or in a Mosque—although services in a Mosque are more meritorious than those elsewhere.

It is always preceded by ablution (Wuzu), and, if said in a Mosque, by the Azán and