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Akdah

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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Akerman, James

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in Oriental mythology. Prior to Mohammed, the Arabs made use of fortune-telling and of oracles. The oracles were especially noted for the seven holy arrows, which were called by the above term. Whoever desired to know anything, or was unable to arrive at a decision concerning something, went to the priests in the temple, where these seven Akdahs were kept. Three of the arrows were put into a bag. The priest would draw one, which would be the answer of the oracle. On the first arrow was written "Do it;" on the second, "Do not do it;" and the third was blank, indicating that the undertaking might or might not be fortunate.