up a silent prayer. He then, again, ascends the Mimbar, as before, and proceeds thus:—
"In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful.
"Praised be God. We praise Him. We seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness of sins. We trust in Him. We seek refuge in Him from evil desires and from former sinful actions. He who has God for his guide is never lost; and whomsoever He leadeth aside none can guide into the right path.
"We bear witness that there is no deity but God. He is one. He hath no partner.
"Verily we bear witness that Muhammad is the servant and apostle of God, and may God have mercy upon him, who is more exalted than any being. May God have mercy upon his descendants, and upon his companions! May God give them peace! Especially upon Amír-ul-Mominín Abu Bakr Sadíq (may God be pleased with him). And upon him who was the most temperate of the "friends" Amír-ul-Mominín Omar Ibn-ul-Khattáb (may God be pleased with him). And upon him whose modesty and faith were perfect, Amír-ul-Mominín Osmán (may God be pleased with
