259

actions commanded by law denotes a mystery of the
mysteries. Ghasel, " bathing/' means coming forth
by resignation from foreign dependence. Wasu,
ic ablution," indicates abandonment of great occu-
pations. Mazmaza, *' rinsing the mouth," refers to
the rapture caused by the sweetness of remem-
brance, Istimak, ' " washing the nostrils three
46 times, by Inhaling water out of the palm of the
*' hand/' denotes inhaling the perfumes of divine
bounty. Istinsar, " drawing up water through the
" nostril&and discharging It again/'signifies throw-
ing off blameable qualities. Washing the face, has
the meaning of turning our face to God: Washing
the hand is withholding the hand from prohibited
things. Washing the feet has reference to giving
precedence to diligence upon the carpet of devo-
tion. Standing upright signifies experience in the
earthly station. To be turned towards the Kiblah is a
sign of offering supplications to the divine majesty.
Joining both hands denotes the bond of an obligatory
engagement. Keeping the hands open during prayers
means holding back the hand from all except what
relates to God. The Takbir,2 " pious exclamation,"

1 See D'Ohsson's Tableau gdn$ral de I'Empire Othoman, torn. II.
p. 16.

2 The Takbir consists of these words: Allah 'u akbar, Allah 'M akbart
la ilahi ilT Allah, Allah 'u alibar, Allah 'u akbar, va Tillah 'il hamd,
•" God. most high! God, most high! there'is no God but Godl God most