The religious community make it a night of strict devotion; they offer prayers and intercessions for the souls of their departed friends, since they imagine that this period, of all others, is most favourable to prayer, as they believe the heart is more open to the throne of mercy, the prayer more effectual, and that the real penitent suing for pardon on the night of Shubh-burraat, is certainly heard and his sins forgiven. The Sheah sect attach still greater importance to this night, as the anniversary of the birth of Emaum Mhidhie.[43] They also remember Hasan and Hosein as martyrs; and in memory of their sufferings the zeearut[44] (circuit as at Mahurrum), is performed by walking round the ground in front of their apartments, repeating the burial service, with some trifling alterations; likewise the salaams to the Prophets and Emaums are duly performed during this night of fate. There is a singular opinion current amongst the Mussulmauns, that the trees hold converse at this momentous period.[45] The really pious characters amongst the Mussulmauns declare that they discountenance superstition in every way; but they strictly adhere to every habit or custom on record which was the practice of Mahumud and his family, the Emaums. Of course, they do not think the observances of Shubh-burraat are at all bordering on superstition, whatever may be thought of the practice by others. [1] See p. 78. [2] 'Idgah, the place where the rites of the 'Id festival are conducted. It generally consists of a pavement, with a wall to the west, facing east. [3] See p. 42. [4] _Angarkha_. [5] _Najib_, 'noble'; the half-disciplined militia of Native States. [6] _Kirch_, a straight thrusting sword. [7] See p. 48. [8] See p. 43. [9] _Nalki_, a kind of litter, the use of which was regarded as a mark of dignity: see Sleeman, _Rambles_, p. 135. [10] A coin worth, about Rs. 16. [11] Haarh is a name given to any sort of ornament which we should designate a necklace. The haarhs presented on these occasions at the Oude court are composed of silver ribands very prettily platted and confined at each division of plats by knobs covered with silver riband. The prices of these haarhs are from five to twenty-five rupees each, depending on the size. [_Author_.] See p. 62. [12] _'Itr_, essence of roses. [13]_Khuda hafiz_. [14] _Jhul_. [15] _Shahji_, 'my lord'. [16] _Chapkan_, the cassock-like frock, which is the usual dress of respectable natives. [17] _Labada_, a sort of overcoat. [18] _Kamarband_, 'loin-band'. [19] _Lahaf_, a corruption of _ghilaf_, 'a wrapper'. [20] _Rumal_, 'face-wiper'. [21] _Zamindar_, 'a landowner'. [22] _Ra'iyat_. [23] Many native gentlemen are allowed to be seated in the king's presence at court daily, but not at the banquet, which is a distinction reserved only for the nobility and favourites. [_Author_.]