Page 380 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XX.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 341

“ Salam alicum !” (Peace be with you !) To
this the person addressed replies—

“ Alicum salam !” (With you be peace!)
—are words usually proffered upon entering

a room, or in joining or passing a party on
the road :

“ Sabal kair !” (Good day !)
“ Missa ul kair !” (Good evening!)

“ Fe aman Alla !” (Under God’s protec­
tion !)
“ Alla yafazak !” (May God protect you!)

Either of these forms are used upon com­
mon or ordinary visits. Upon the entrance

of the guest, the host and all who are present
rise and return it, and continue standing until

he has seated himself. In saluting a Sheikh
or governor, they add his surname to either

of the above forms ; and if he is of superior
rank, kiss his hand. Individuals meeting
abroad clasp the hand of each other. The

Imam rises to Europeans visiting him, and
seats them on his right hand.