Kholbah

Kholbah (Arabic), a peculiar form of prayer used in Mohammedan countries at the commencement of public worship in the great mosques on Friday at noon.

It was originally performed by the Prophet himself, and by his successors up to A.D. 936, since which time special ministers are appointed for the purpose. The Kholbah is chiefly ' a confession of faith," and a general petition for the success of the Mohammedan religion. It is divided into two distinct parts, between which a considerable pause is observed, which the Mussulman regards as the most solemn and important part of his worship. The insertion of the sultan's name in this prayer has always been considered one of his chief prerogatives. See Brande and Cox, Dict. of Science, Literature, and Art, ii, 282.