EARLY CIRCUMSTANCES

~ 17 ~ appreciate their activities. They changed their way of dressing and, grew beards, shaking off one by one almost all the pre-Islamic customs that they had retained after their conversion. Lending or borrowing on interest as well as robbing, looting, and dacoities decreased considerably. Liquor consumption came to an end. Almost every child became punctual at his prayers. Their dealings, behaviour and living standards were all influenced as a result of this religious awakening. Not only did they reform themselves but they were also inspired to spread the true message of God to those who were as ignorant as they had been before. Their simple, sincere stories of devotion made it seem as if history were, repeating itself, as if the newly converted Bedouins, inspired with new found zeal were reborn and roaming across the desert, their only desire being to spread the message far and wide. In September 1929, an elderly, religious person visited the area to observe personally the much talked-of religious fervour. He found on his way a group of simple Mewati villagers who were going out on a religious expedition. He motioned to one of