“One evening I was discussing these various superstitions with the Sultan of
Perak, and I did not notice that the spiritual teacher of His Highness had entered
and was waiting to lead the evening prayer. The guru, or teacher, no doubt heard
the end of our conversation, and was duly scandalised, for the next day I
received from him a letter, of which the following is the translation:—
“‘First praise to God, the Giver of all good, a Fountain of Compassion to His
servants.
“‘From Haji Wan Muhammad, Teacher of His Highness the Sultan of Perak, to
the Resident who administers the Government of Perak.
“‘The whole earth is in the hand of the Most High God, and He gives it as an
inheritance to whom He will of His subjects. The true religion is also of God,
and Heaven is the reward of those who fear the Most High. Salvation and peace
are for those who follow the straight path, and only they will in the end arrive at
real greatness. No Raja can do good, and none can be powerful, except by the
help of God, the Most High, who is also Most Mighty.
“‘I make ten thousand salutations. I wish to inquire about the practice of bĕr-
hantu, driving oneself mad and losing one’s reason, as has been the custom of
Rajas and Chiefs in this State of Perak; is it right, according to your religion, Mr.
Resident, or is it not? For that practice is a deadly sin to the Muhammadan Faith,
because those who engage in it lose their reason and waste their substance for
nothing; some of them cast it into the water, while others scatter it broadcast
through the jungle. How is such conduct treated by your religion, Mr. Resident;
is it right or wrong? I want you in your indulgence to give me an answer, for this
practice is very hard on the poor. The Headmen collect from the rayats, and then
they make elaborate preparations of food, killing a buffalo or fowls, and all this
is thrown away as already stated. According to the Muhammadan religion such
proceedings lead to destruction.
“‘I salute you many times; do not be angry, for I do not understand your
customs, Mr. Resident.
“‘(Signed) Haji Muhammad Abu Hassan.’”^149