10 ©6©Lhe Countries, their Peoples and their Religions.

them. At the same time many of these things are condemned by strict Moslems.

Charms.

There is great faith among Mohammedans in the efficacy of amulets, talismans and charms. The two first-named usually consist of a portion of the Koran enclosed in a gold, silver, leather or embroidered case. The charms (used to avert the Evil Eye) most often are blue beads, black kerbela stones, prayers enclosed in little green (the sacred colour) bags, or the right eye of a sheep which has been offered in sacrifice at Mecca. Astrologers are frequently consulted in cases of illness, or to ascertain lucky days and hours for marriage, the beginning of a journéy, etc. One sneeze is a very ill omen when anything is about to be done; it is wiser to delay until the spell has been broken in some way, e.g., by giving alms or by a second sneeze! Moslems dread losing a limb, thinking they will have to appear in their maimed condition at the resurrection. It is most unlucky to admire a beautiful child without invoking a saint or adding a blessing to avert the Evil Eye. The taking of auguries either by means of a book of divination or of the rosary is resorted to constantly.

Mohammedan Sects.

There are many sects of Mohammedans; among the chief are the Sunnis, or orthodox party, who hold that the first three Caliphs, Abii Bekr, Omar and Osman, rightfully succeeded Mohammed; and the Shiahs, who believe that Ali, who married Mohammed’s daughter Fatima, was the Prophet’s legitimate successor, that the three Caliphs just mentioned, who held the reins of power after Mohammed’s death and for long kept Ali from the Caliphate, were usurpers, and that Hassan and Husain, the sons of Ali, who were killed while fighting for their rights, were martyrs.

The Dinkas.

In the Soudan most of the people in the neighbourhood of Khartoum are Mohammedans, but towards the south there are a number of pagan tribes, among one of which, the Dinkas, the C.M.S.is at work. These people recognize a Supreme Being, Whom they call Deng-dit or Nyalic. To Him, on great occasions, they offer a bullock, or if a man cannot afford this, a