Note 137 — Chapter VII

Jma signifies the conclusion of any thing; as the conclusion of the week, and is the Arabic name appropriated to Friday, or the Mohammedan day of rest; from the radical word Jamaa, to collect or gather together. The Mohammedans name the days of the week, first day, second day, and so on, calling Sunday El hed, i.e. the first day; El thenine the second day, or Monday, &c. They do not entirely shut their shops on Friday, but work less than on any other day; they refuse, however, altogether to work for Christians, unless particularly or clandestinely feed, when they will condescend to do almost any thing.