Behind the Veil in Persia and Turkish Arabia: An Account of an Englishwoman's Eight Years' Residence Amongst the Women of the EastHume-Griffith, M. E.
Philosophy
Behind the Veil in Persia and Turkish Arabia: An Account of an Englishwoman's Eight Years' Residence Amongst the Women of the East
Hume-Griffith, M. E.
Arabian Peninsula -- Social life and customs; Iran -- Social life and customs
The other and smaller mound, known as Nabbi Eunice (Prophet Jonah),
was once the site of a church named after the prophet, on account of
the tradition that he preached upon that spot. The church stands to
this day, but is used as a mosque, as it now belongs to the Moslems,
who venerate the place as being the tomb of the prophet.
They accept the whole story of Jonah's mission to Nineveh and
the adventures he encountered en route, as we have it recorded in
Holy Scripture. It is an interesting fact, too, that year by year
the inhabitants of Mosul, Christians and Moslems alike, keep in
remembrance the three days of fasting and repentance mentioned in
the Book of Jonah. The fast is still kept for three days, by some
very strictly, while others keep it from sunset to sunset, only
eating once a day. Every one may please herself as to the severity
of her fasting, but almost all join in the remembrance of those three
memorable days in the history of Nineveh. "Herself" is used advisedly,
as it is especially kept by women who are seeking some particular gift
from God, and they will often fast absolutely for the three days,
not even allowing a drop of water to touch their lips. They hope by
so doing that God will hear their prayers, even as He answered the
petitions of the Ninevites of old. The memory of Jonah is perpetuated,
too, in Mosul by parents naming their boys after the prophet, Eunice
being quite a favourite name amongst Christians, Moslems, and Jews.
The tomb of Jonah is guarded very zealously by the Mohammedans
against the Christians, and it is very difficult for the latter to
gain admission to the interior of the building. A friend staying
with us in Mosul was very anxious to see the tomb, so we rode over
to Nabbi Eunice one day, but the mullah in charge politely but firmly
refused us permission to enter beyond the portal!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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