THE PRAYERS OF INDIA.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15238, 27 March 1915, Page 4

THE PRAYERS OF INDIA.

INSPIRING MESSAGE TO WOUNDED MOSLEMS.

As regards tho Korans sent to tho Mahonunedan _oldiers of the Indian Expeditionary Forco by her Highness the Be__um of Bh.pal. tho "Pioneer" states that under the binding 0 f each copy of the Koran v*a3 pasted a printed sheet of paper containing a message .'n the vernacular from her Highness to the sick and wounded soldiers. The English translation of this message is as follows,— "In the namo of God, tho All Compassionate and Merciful. Praise he to the Almighty, aud may He shower His choicest blessings on tho last and greatest of the Prophet. On Major Blackham's suggestion 1 send theso Korans for tho sick and wounded Mussulman soldiers of his Majesty the King-Em-peror, the galiant fighters who, in common with other soldiers of this land, have held aloft the banner of India's loyalty in foreign climes and demonstrated tho greatness of their country before tho eyes of an admiring world. I cm sure that at a time when pain and anguish wring the brow God s words will bring peace and comfort to ■you. Please remember that it is not only tlie men of this country who are proud of the brave deeds you havo done, but the women, too, admire from tha bottom of their hearts tho great services-you have rendered to our Emperor in a war in which faith and freedom are at grips with brutality and barbarism. Al] the women hold up their arms in prayer for your welfare and for the victory of British arms. 1 assure you that if tlie women cf this country had not been bound down by ehaius .of caste and custom, many of them would have proceeded to the firing line to nurse you, and although they are not with you to-day in person, their prayers nevertheless have kept you constant company. Tho Holy Koran says it is God alone who answers the prayers of the impatient when, they cry to Him. It i. through you tho heroes of India that our country has added fresh lustre, to its name. Until the enemy i.s crushed completely I am sure you will continue to uphold the high traditions of your army on the field of battle. .1 hope that a perusal of the Koran will bring happiness to you and your physical suffering be lost in .spiritual happiness. Help is from God. and victory is near. Act upon tho holy words: 'I entrust all my work to God. for He ci-vstantly watr-hesover His creation.' After readin. the Koran . Iw.vs pray for the welfare- of tho British Empire, under whose benign ■protection we and ours are spendimr happy years of peace and prosperity."