[p.106]the Shafe’i’s reading is not quite so extensive.[FN#29] Theology is much studied, because it leads directly to the gaining of daily bread, as priest or tutor; and other scientific pursuits are neglected for the opposite reason.

The theologian in Egypt, as in other parts of Al-Islam, must have a superficial knowledge of the Prophet’s traditions.  Of these there are eight well known collections,[FN#30] but only the first three are generally read.

School-boys are instructed, almost when in their infancy, to intone the Koran; at the university they are

[p.107]taught a more exact system of chanting.  The style called “Hafs” is most common in Egypt, as it is indeed throughout the Moslem world.  And after learning to read the holy volume, some savans are ambitious enough to wish to understand it:  under these circumstances they must dive into the ’Ilm al-Tafsir,[FN#31] or the Exegesis of the Koran.

Our student is now a perfect Fakih or Mulla.[FN#32] But

[p.108]the poor fellow has no scholarship or fellowship-no easy tutorship-no fat living to look forward to.  After wasting

[p.109]seven years, or twice seven years, over his studies, and reading till his brain is dizzy, his digestion gone, and his eyes half blind, he must either starve upon college alms, or squat, like my old Shaykh Mohammed, in a druggist’s shop, or become pedagogue and preacher in some country place, on the pay of L8 per annum.  With such prospects it is wonderful how the Azhar can present any attractions; but the southern man is essentially an idler, and many become Olema, like Capuchins, in order to do nothing.  A favoured few rise to the degree of Mudarris (professors), and thence emerge Kazis and Muftis.  This is another inducement to matriculate; every undergraduate having an eye upon the Kazi-ship, with as much chance of obtaining it as the country parocco has of becoming a cardinal.  Others again devote themselves to laical pursuits, degenerate into Wakils (lawyers), or seek their fortunes as Katibs-public or private accountants.

To conclude this part of the subject, I cannot agree with Dr. Bowring when he harshly says, upon the subject of Moslem education:  “The instruction given by the Doctors of the Law in the religious schools, for the formation of the Mohammedan priesthood, is of the most worthless character."[FN#33] His opinion is equally open to

[p.110]objection with that of those who depreciate the law itself because it deals rather in precepts than in principle, in ceremonies and ordinances rather than in ethics and aesthetics.  Both are what Eastern faiths and Eastern training have ever been,-both are eminently adapted for the Oriental mind.  When the people learn to appreciate ethics, and to understand psychics and aesthetics, the demand will create a supply.  Meanwhile they leave transcendentalism to their poets and philosophers, and they busy themselves with preparing for heaven by practising the only part of their faith now intelligible to them-the Material.