Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Kingdoms, Volume 23

There are those who teach and pass on knowledge who spend 300,000 to 400,000 pounds original: 棒 (bang); a 19th-century Chinese transliteration for the British Pound Sterling annually. Consequently, many people in Persia original: 巴社 (Bashe) believe in astrology and divination, claiming these arts can bring wealth and status. The people of Europe original: 歐羅巴 (Ouluoba), however, do not believe in such things.

As for local customs, they follow Islam original: 回敎 (Huijiao) and recognize Ali original: 阿匣 (Axia) as their primary religious leader. This Ali was the "son" Ali was actually the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad; the author may be using "son" in a spiritual or familial sense of Muhammad original: 馬哈墨 (Mahamo), and was also his son-in-law. The teachings of Ali are those transmitted by Muhammad. Given that countries such as Turkey original: 都魯機 (Duluji) and Aden original: 阿丹 (Adan) all follow Muhammad, why is it that they differ from one another, contending over their successes and failures until they have become enemies? The author is observing the historical schism between Sunni and Shia Islam

Some say that although Ali's teachings were received from Muhammad, there are slight differences in how they are understood and realized. As these versions circulated separately, they eventually became fixed sectarian prejudices. For instance, Persia forbids the drinking of alcohol and practices the "worship of the Fire God" The author likely conflates Persian Shia rituals or the region's Zoroastrian heritage with Islamic practice, which makes them different from the Muslims of other nations.

The land produces rice, wheat, salt, silk, and hair. They also produce five-colored carpets, sheep's wool, satin, porcelain, paper, leather, precious gems, copper, and iron. The state governs two hundred and sixty-six small tribes. The names of these tribes are missing from the original text