The established religion of the Moors is Mahometan.  Formerly, as well as at present, women were considered by the Moors as the mere objects of sensuality, and only esteemed while in full bloom.  At the age of thirty, or at most forty, they were looked upon as an inferior order of beings, and doomed to the most abject and insupportable slavery:  indeed, the latter circumstance still exists, though considerably mitigated.  No wonder then that the doctrine of Mahomet should be cordially embraced by a people with whose inclinations it so exactly coincided.  But that part only was adopted, which indulged them in the gratification of their wishes; that which imposed restraint was renounced, or only nominally acceded to.  And fortunate it certainly is for the security of the neighbouring countries that they did so; as, when formerly they were inured from infancy to all the hardships of a warlike life, and possessed much skill in war, they were undoubtedly very formidable; but since their conversion to Mahometanism, they have gradually become inactive, and their natural passion for war and conquest has changed to absolute effeminacy.  The illiterate system of the Moors has also completely shut the door against the arts and sciences, and all knowledge of the value of a free and secure commerce.  Yet, notwithstanding this people are no longer either in appearance or reality those fierce barbarians they once were, nor can their actions in point of valour bear any comparison with those of their ancestors, like them they retain a most inveterate antipathy to all Christians; and a propensity towards cruelty, revenge, rapine, and murder, still continues to form one of the most prominent features of their character.  However, under the comparatively mild government of the present Emperor, their behaviour towards Christians has visibly undergone a favourable change, which would almost persuade some to indulge a hope of the entire annihilation of their aversion; but I am sorry to add, that I am not so sanguine, as from accurate observation I have been led to conclude, that nothing but an immense length of time can overcome their habitual prejudices and constitutional inclinations.

The male inhabitants of these states are obliged to attend their places of public worship four times in the course of twenty-four hours.  The first prayer begins about half an hour before sun-rising, and is so regulated that they may, just as the sun rises, finish eight adorations.  They pray again at noon, at sun-set, and at midnight:  they are very fervent in their devotions, and always turn their faces towards the east:  they fast three times in a year; the first time thirty days, the next nine, and the last seven:  during these fasts they abstain from beans, garlic, and some other pulse and vegetables.  They call the Almighty, God of Gods, and Lord of Lords; and they all believe that the souls of wicked men will be punished till a certain period, when they will be received to mercy.