Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/176



Muslims have no hereditary priestly caste as the Hindus, nor have they a distinct order of clergy exactly corresponding with those of the Christian Church. But still there is a powerful hierarchy possessed of great political and religious influence, which resembles the Jewish Scribes and Lawyers.

In countries under Muhammadan rule the religious dignitaries are appointed by the king, who is properly the highest spiritual authority in the kingdom. The Shekh-ul-Islám at Constantinople unites in himself the functions of the Primate and Lord Chancellor.

The following are the chief religious functionaries, in a state governed according to Muhammadan law.

Qází.—The minister of justice, who passes