MOSLEM   FAMILY   LIFE
This doctrine often leads to great neglect of
children and invalids, the women excusing themselves
by saying, " Maktoob " (It is written). It often rouses
our indignation to hear this oft-quoted word misapplied
as an excuse for wrongdoing or selfish desires.
For instance, parents will enter into negotiations
for the marriage of their daughter with a man known
to be an evil liver; then, when the girl is suffering,
maybe, for their sins, say piously, "Naseeb—Min
Allah " (from God). « Min Allah " indeed ! " Min
Shaitan " (from Satan) would be more correct!
Then, again, it is somewhat annoying to be told
it is " the will of God" that your horse should de-
velop a cough, because the groom neglected to cover
him when standing in the rain; or, when your best
china tea-set is smashed, you would rather not be
told it is "Naseeb"!
Albeit this is an annoying doctrine to the Euro-
pean at times, yet it certainly helps the Eastern
woman to bear her troubles and trials, and it is
good for her to have this at command, for she has
nothing else to aid her. To sorrow, loss, bereave-
ment, and all the ills that human nature is subject
to, the Moslem answers always " Naseeb," or, " It is
the will of God." Should their children die, or the
locusts destroy the crop, it is " Naseeb." Is the
weather hot or cold, dry or moist, the remark is
always the same, " Naseeb." If the river water is
filthy and they choose to drink it, thus contracting
typhoid or one of the hundred other ills consequent
on drinking such water, they have only to assure
themselves that it is "Naseeb," and there remains
nothing more to be said or done. It is easier to
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