Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/185

 164 and Husain, as observed by the Shíaʾhs; but the day ʾA′shuráa (the tenth) is also held sacred by the Sunnis, the observance of the month having been enjoined by Muhammad on account of its having been the month of creation.

The ceremonies of the Muharram differ much in different places; but the following are the main features of the festival as observed by the Shíaʾhs. A place is prepared which is called the ʾA′shúr-khána (the ten-day house), or Imám-Bára (the Imám place), in the centre of which is dug a pit, in which fires are kindled, and at night the people, young and old, fence across the fire with sticks and swords, and whilst dancing round it, call out, "Oh ʾAli! noble Hasan! noble Husain! bridegroom! alas friend! stay! stay! etc.; the cry being repeated in the most excited manner hundreds of times, until the whole assembly has reached the highest pitch of excitement. They then form