The Gate of the Judgment information - The Alhambra - Spain

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THE ALHAMBRA - Granada: PORCH OF THE GATE OF THE JUDGMENT

IN addition to the objects described in the preceding engraving, the present plate affords a clear view of the lofty porch of the Gate of Judgment. The crescent form of the arches is seen to considerable advantage: and on the keystone of the first or high arch, is sculptured an open hand; which (as well as the key above noticed) was a favourite symbol with the Mahometans. The omnipotent hand of God is very often mentioned in the Koran, as conducting the true believers into the right way.
The mystical import of this open hand has excited much curious inquiry, the discussion of which would be foreign to the design of this work. We may, however, remark, that it had three mysterious significations among the Moors.

I. It designated divine Providence.
II . It was a prototype, or rather epitome of the law, which has five fundamental precepts. As the hand has five parts, viz. four fingers and a thumb. These precepts are: 1. Faith in God and in Mahomet as his Prophet. 2. Prayer (under which are comprehended all those legal washings or purifications which are accounted necessary preparations to that duty). 3. The giving of Alms. 4. Fasting, particularly during the month of Ramadan. and 5. A Pilgrimage to the Caaha at Mecca. And each of these precepts is divided into as many modifications as the fingers and thumb.

III . The Arabians, considering the hand as the symbol of
their religion, believed it to be a powerful defence against the enemies of the Koran; and that it could even produce enchantments and miracles, by giving to it certain figures, and changing them according to the courses of the stars, constellations and planets. According to this notion (says M. Peyron), when represented open like this hand over the Gate of Judgment, it had the power of weakening the strength of the enemy.
Further, it appears from the account given by Pedraza, the learned antiquary of Granada, that the hand was' a symbol of union among those Arabs who remained in Spain, after the conquest of that city by Ferdinand and Isabella. The Moors used to wear, on their breast, a small badge containing the figure of a hand, together with some Arabic characters. At this symbol of their faith and mutual brotherly love in their bondage, the sanguinary Inquisition took alarm: the government became apprehensive for the stability of the Church and State; and, after many consultations with the hierarchy, the use of this symbol was formally abolished by law, among many other national customs of the oppressed Moors.

	More Alhambra tourist information
The Alhambra at Granada The Royal Palace The Alhambra fortress Plan of the Royal Palace Main entrance The Judgment Gate Elevation of the ancient Gate of the Judgment Section of the Gate of the Judgment, Puerta del Vino and the Great Cistern The Baths Small Portico and Pateo del Agua A pateo del Agua alcove The Court and Fountain of Lions perspective Elevation of the Fountain of Lions Plan of the bason of the Fountain of Lions - Side Elevation - Entablature of the Court of the Lions Two Sisters hall The Abencerrages hall Golden Saloon Section and Elevation of the interior of the Golden Saloon Moorish battle-piece Paintings in the Alhambra Arabian vases and niches Mosaics Arabian Ornaments Cufic Inscriptions Columns, capitals and cornices Royal Villa of Generalife view The Generalife Portico of the Generalife front view A Generalife Garden perspective view The Casa de Carbon

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