Page 379 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

340 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [(JH.

other very little good faith is observed: nor

does a departure from its principle in their
social relations affect them to any consider­

able extent. The discharge of the duties of
hospitality is as strictly exercised by all
classes in Omdn as in other parts of Arabia,

and the stranger is everywhere received with
respect As I have treated the subject of
* .
their religion elsewhere, I here merely ob­
serve that the inhabitants of Oman are far

more tolerant than the generality of Mussul­
mans.

The most distinguishing and predominant
trait in the character of the Arabs is their

plainness and simplicity. It is not only ex­
hibited in every act of their social intercourse,

but will also be found pervading every feature
of their courts of law and of their govern­
ment. This freedom from pomp and ostenta­

tion, so different from other Orientals, places
their character to Europeans in a very favour­

able light, and is, I think, with others, a reason
why we estimate them higher in the scale.

The following are among their most ordinary

modes of salutation :—

* In Om!m travellers are often entertained in the mosque.