'File 8/62 IV PRINCIPAL SHAIKHS & TRIBES OF OMAN.' [‎5r] (9/282)

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Fortunately tho Imam is himself possessed of considerable
properties from which he derives adequate revenues, and many
of tho Walls are expected to carry on their administration and
remunerate themselves and their officials from the revenues to
be collected in their districts,
(d) Security, Law & Order, Arms & Equipment .
Shara law governs everything, and all offences and dis
putes arising out of transactions of any nature are settled
by the Qadhis in accordance with it. Besides the Koran there
are several works in Arabic dealing with the Law, and the
Qadhis and people generally have a good knowledge of it, and
it is seldom abused.
Nearly every tribesman of the interior possesses and can
handle arms of some sort. They are quick to unite to resist
aggression or interference in their affairs. They resent and
are highly suspicious of intrusion by foreigners, and can be
expected to offer opposition to any attempt to exploit the
natural resources of their country, as they believe that this
will result only in a lessening of their independence and
little material benefit, financial or otherwise, to themselves.
The Imam maintains no standing Army, but employs about
two thousand Askars posted as village police and garrisons of
the forts throughout his territory to assist the Walls and
Qadhis in their duties and for their protection, and, of
course, his own.
The pay of an AskarI is about 4 Rials a month, and that
of a Head Askari about 10 Rials. "Hinawi” Askars must serve
in Hinawi territory, and :i Ghafaris M in Ghafari territory.
A fairly plentiful supply of old fashioned rifles exist
(ranging from muzie loaders to single breach loading ,450
Martini Henrys), whilst a few tribesmen seem to have acquired
some quite modern weapons (.303 magazine Lee Enfields). Those
that cannot obtain fresh ammunition, make their ov/n cartridges
from fired cases, scrap and a locally made powder. With the
suppression of the former traffic in arms and ammunition, tho
Sultan, who can import his requirements from the United Kingdom,
has a considerable inducement to offer those who might other
wise not wish to seek his favour. Some of tho old cannon in
the forts may be capable of use. Swords and daggers complete
their armament.
(e) Medical. There is no provision for medicine, mid
wifery etc.: The nearest hospitals or medical aid are in
Muscat, Matrah and Dubai. The American Mission doctor at
Matrah is sometimes invited to visit the interior,
(f) Education. The only schools are those maintained In
mosques by the Mullahs for imparting the teachings of the
Koran to children, and small buildings in gardens maintained
from charitable endowments which teach Arabic grammar and the
Shara law, in addition. The teachers are paid from these
fund s.
/(g) General
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