Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Chapter 10: On the Adab of the Lavatory

1. From Shahid al-Thani in Sharh al-Nafliyyah: Nobody ever saw the Holy Prophet (S) urinating or relieving himself.1

2. In al-Ja’fariyat: In his narration from Ja’far ibn Muhammad from his fathers from ‘Ali (as): Whenever the Holy Prophet (S) wanted to expectorate, he would first cover his head and then (after expectorating) bury it (the phlegm). When he visited the lavatory, he would (also) cover his head.2

3. In al-Majalis al-Akhbar: Narrated from Abi Dharr from the Holy Prophet (S) (that) in his counsel, he said: O Aba Dharr! Be ashamed in the presence of Allah, for by Allah when I go to relieve myself, I hide and cover myself with my clothes out of shame from the angels who are with me.3

4. From al-Mufid in al-Muqni’ah: Covering the head, if it is open, is asunnah from thesunnah of the Noble Prophet (S).4

5. In al-Ja’fariyat: In his narration from Ja’far ibn Muhammad from his fathers from ‘Ali (as): The Holy Prophet would pull the urinary tract thrice after urination.5

6. In al-Kafi: Narrated from al-Husayn ibn Khalid from Abi al-Hasan al-Thani (as) saying: I said to him: “It has been narrated to us in the hadith that the Holy Prophet (S) would purify himself (after relieving himself) while his ring was still on his finger, and this was also the case with Amir al-Mu’minin (as); and the inscription on the ring of the Holy Prophet (S) was ‘Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah‘ (is this correct)?” He (as) said: “They have spoken the truth.” I said: “So should we do (the same)?” He replied: “They used to wear their rings on the right hand whereas you wear your rings on the left hand.”6

Note: A similar narration is found in al-Makarim quoting from Kitab al-Libas of al-’Ayyashi from al-Husayn ibn Sa’id from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) and also in al-Ja’fariyat.7

7. In al-Khisal: Narrated from al-Husayn ibn Mus’ab from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: Three things that were practiced by al-Barra’ ibn Ma’rur al-Ansari became part of thesunnah : In the beginning, people used to clean themselves with stones so al-Barra’ ibn Ma’rur ate a pumpkin which softened his bowels and he cleansed himself with water; and Allah (SwT) revealed about him

“Surely Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who purify themselves. ” (Surat al-Baqarah: 222)

And it became asunnah to cleanse oneself with water.

When he was on his death bed, he was out of Madinah, so he ordered that his face be turned toward the Holy Prophet (S) (who was in Makkah) and bequeathed one third of his wealth; and so it was that the law regarding (facing) the Qiblah was ordained and bequeathing of one third (of one’s wealth) became thesunnah .8

8. In al-Tahdhib: In his narration from ‘Abdullah ibn Maskan from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: The Noble Prophet (S) was the most cautious about urine. When he wanted to urinate, he would find a place that was elevated from the ground, or an area where there was a lot of soil, out of aversion to being splattered by urine.9

9. In al-Ja’fariyat: In his narration from Ja’far ibn Muhammad, from his father (as) who said: My father (‘Ali ibn al-Husayn (as)) said: “O my son, get for me clothes for (use in) the lavatory. I saw a fly sitting on something impure and then it sat on me.” He said: I brought it to him so he said: “Neither did the Holy Prophet (S) nor his companions have any clothes (for this purpose) other than their regular clothes,” so he did not take it.10

Addendum to this Chapter

1. In al-Hidayah: Thesunnah for entering the lavatory is that one should enter with his left leg before his right and should cover his head and remember Allah (SwT).11

2. In al-Kafi: In his narration from Abi Usamah in a hadith from Abi ‘Abdillah (as): A man asked him (among other things): “What is thesunnah regarding entering the lavatory?” He (S) said: “Remember Allah, seek protection from Allah against the cursed Shaitan and when you have finished (relieving yourself) say:

أَلْحَمْدُ لِلٌّهِ عَلـى مَا أَخْرَجَ مِنِّي مِنَ الأَذى فِي يُسْرٍ وَ عَافِيةٍ.

“All praise be to Allah for what he has removed from me of that which is harmful (to my body) with ease and well-being.” 12

Note: al-Barqi has narrated this in al-Mahasin as has al-Saduq in al-’Ilal13

3. In al-Tahdhib: In his narration from Zurarah from Abi Ja’far (as) who said: There is no prayer except with purification. It is permissible for you to cleanse yourself with three stones (after relieving yourself) as this was from thesunnah of the Holy Prophet (S). As for urination, however, it is a must to wash oneself (with water after urinating).14

Note: He has also narrated it in al-Istibsar.15

4. In al-Tahdhib: From Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from some of our companions quoting from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: It was (from) thesunnah to use three clean stones for cleansing oneself, followed by water.16

5. In al-Da’aim: ‘Ali (as) said: Thesunnah with regards to cleansing oneself with water is to start with (washing away) the urine and then the stool and not (to wash) both at once.17

6. Also: When he (S) wanted to relieve himself during a journey, he would move far away (from the people) and find a hidden place.18

7. Also: They (the Imams (as)) narrated: When the Holy Prophet (S) entered the lavatory, he would cover his head and veil himself and nobody ever saw him.19

References

1. Fawa`id al-Milliyyah fi Sharh al-Nafliyyah: 17, ‘Awarif al-Ma’arif: 261, Da`aim al-Islam 1:104

2. al-Ja’fariyat: 30, Da`aim al-Islam 1:104, al-Mustadrak 1:248

3. Amali al-Tusi 2:147, Majmu`at Warram: 307, Makarim al-Akhlaq: 465

4. al-Muqni`ah: 39, Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:24

5. al-Ja’fariyat: 12, al-Mustadrak 1:260

6. al-Kafi 6:373, `Uyun Akhbar al-Rid’a 2:55

7. Makarim al-Akhlaq: 92, al-Ja’fariyat: 186

8. al-Khisal: 192

9. Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:33, ‘Ilal al-Shara’i: 278, al-Faqih 1:22

10. al-Ja’fariyat: 14

11. al-Hidayah: 15

12. al-Kafi 3:69

13. ‘Ilal al-Shara’i: 276, we have not found this in al-Mahasin.

14. Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:50

15. al-Istibsar 1:55

16. Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:46

17. Da`aim al-Islam 1:106

18. Da`aim al-Islam 1:104, al-Mustadrak 1:249, ‘Awarif al-Ma’arif: 261

19. Da`aim al-Islam 1:104

Chapter 11: On the Dead and anything related (to Death)

1. In al-Makarim: Whenever the Holy Prophet (S) saw a pustule on his body, he would seek refuge with Allah and submit him self and cry out to Him in supplication. He would be asked: “O Prophet of Allah! What is the cause of your distress?” He would reply: “If Allah (SwT) willed a small (matter) to become a big one, it would become big and if He willed a big matter to become small, it would become small.”1

2. In the book al-Tamhis: From Abi Sa’id al-Khudri (who said) that he placed his hand on the Noble Prophet (S) and he (found that he) had a fever, and he noticed this (while his hand was) above the blanket, so he said: “How intensely has it (the fever) effected you O Prophet of Allah?!” He (S) said: “This is how we are made to undergo intense trials and our reward is (thereby) doubled.”2

3. In al-Kafi: Narrated from Jabir from Abi Ja’far (as) who said: Thesunnah is that the bier should be carried by its four sides and anything in addition to this is voluntary.3

4. Also: Narrated from al-Fad’l ibn Yunus from Musa ibn Ja’far (as): The (method of) carrying the bier with the dead body, according to the practicedsunnah , was to start by (lifting) the side of the right hand (of the dead body), then the right leg, then the left leg and finally the left hand, until it was raised from all sides.4

5. From ‘Abdillah ibn Ja’far in Qurb al-Isnad: From al-Hasan ibn Dharif from al-Husayn ibn ‘Alwan from Ja’far from his father (as): al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali (as) was sitting with his companions when a funeral procession passed by, so some of the people stood up but al-Hasan (as) did not stand up, and when the procession had passed, some of them said: “Why did you not stand up - may Allah grant you well-being - when the Holy Prophet (S) used to stand for the bier when it was carried past?” al-Hasan (as) said: “The Holy Prophet (S) only stood up once and this was when the bier of a Jew was being carried and the place was narrow, so the Prophet stood up because he disliked that the bier should pass over his head.”5

6. From al-Qutb in his Da’awat: When the Noble Prophet (S) followed a funeral procession, he would be overcome by grief and would contemplate more and talk less.6

7. In al-Ja’fariyat: In his narration from Ja’far ibn Muhammad from his fathers from ‘Ali (as): The Holy Prophet (S) used to throw three handfuls of dust on the grave (of a believer).7

8. al-Kafi: Narrated from Zurarah from Abi Ja’far (as) who said: The Holy Prophet (S) would perform something special when someone from Bani Hashim passed away; something which he never performed for any other Muslim. After he prayedsalat al-mayyit for the Hashimi and sprinkled water on his grave, the Noble Prophet (S) placed his hand on the grave until his fingers were seen to be in the soil, and when a person would return (home from a journey) or a traveler from Madinah (would come), he would see a new grave with the Holy Prophet’s (S) hand-print and say: “Who has died from the family of Muhammad (as)?”8

9. Also: Narrated from ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi ‘Abdillah who said: I asked him about the placing of one’s hand on the grave - what is it and why is it done? He replied: The Holy Prophet (S) performed it on (the grave of) his son after sprinkling the water (on his grave). I asked him: How should I place my hand on the graves of the Muslims? He showed me by placing his hand on the ground and then raised it (and this was) while he was facing the Qiblah.9

10. From Shahid al-Thani in Musakkin al-Fu’ad: From ‘Ali (as): When the Noble Prophet (S) gave condolence he would say:

آجَرَكُمُ اللٌّهُ وَرَحِمَكُمْ.

“May Allah recompense you and have mercy on you”

And when he congratulated someone he would say:

بَارَكَ اللٌّهُ لَكُمْ وَ بَارَكَ َاللٌّهُ عَلَيْكُمْ

“May Allah bless you and keep you blessed.” 10

11. From al-Qutb in his Da’awat: Zayn al-’Abidin (as) said: There was never a time when Amir al-Mu’minin (as) was faced with an affliction but that he would pray a thousand rak’ahs on that day, give alms to sixty beggars and fast for three days. He (as) said to his children: “When an affliction befalls you do as I do, for I saw the Holy Prophet (S) doing this, so follow in the footsteps of your Prophet and do not contravene it for Allah (will thereby) be against you. Allah (SwT) has said:

“As for him who endures patiently and forgives, that is indeed the steadiest of courses. ” (Surat al-Shura (42): 43)

Zayn al-’Abidin (as) said: I still perform this action of Amir al-Mu’minin (as).11

Addendum to this Chapter

1. In al-Makarim: From Anas ibn Malik who said: The Holy Prophet (S) used to visit the sick and attend the funeral processions.12

2. In al-Majalis of Shaykh al-Tusi: In his narration from al-Harith from ‘Ali (as) who said: When the Noble Prophet (S) visited a sick person he would say:

أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ رَبَّ الْبَأْسِ وَاشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي لاَ شَافِيَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ.

“Remove the affliction O Lord of affliction, and cure him for You are the Healer, there is no other Healer but You.” 13

Note: A similar narration is mentioned by al-Tabarsi in al-Makarim.14

3. In Tibb al-A’immah: From Jabir from al-Baqir (as) who said: When the Holy Prophet (S) or someone from his family or (close) companions was afflicted with inflammation in the eyes, he would recite the following supplication:

أَللٌّهُمَّ مَتِّعْنِي بِسَمْعِي وَ بَصَرِي وَ اجْعَلْهُمَا الْوَارِثَـيْنِ مِنِّي وَانْصُرْنِي عَلـى مَنْ ظَلَمَنِي وَ أَرِنِي فِيهِ ثَأْرِي.

“O Allah! Cause me to enjoy my hearing and my sight and make them continue with me until the day I die, and help me (to gain victory) over the one who oppresses me and take my vengeance from him.” 15

4. In al-Makarim: From Ibn ‘Abbas who said: The Holy Prophet (S) would teach us (to recite this) for all types of pains, fever and headache:

بِسْمِ اللٌّهِ الْكَبِيرِ. أَعُوذُ بِاللٌّهِ الْعَظِيمِ مِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ عِرْقٍ نَعَّارٍ وَ مِنْ شَرِّ حَرِّ النَّارِ.

“In the name of Allah the Great. I seek refuge with Allah the Almighty from the evil of all that gushes in the veins and from the evil of the heat of the Hellfire.” 16

5. In Majmu’at Warram: Whenever the Noble Prophet (S) was saddened by something, he would take recourse in fasting and prayer.17

6. al-Shahid al-Thani in Musakkin al-Fu’ad: Whenever an affliction befell the Holy Prophet (S), he would stand, perform ablution, and pray two rak’ahs and say:

أَللٌّهُمَّ قَدْ فَعَلْتُ مَا أَمَرْتَنَا فَأَنْجِزْلَنَا مَا وَعَدْتَنَا.

O Allah! I have done as you commanded, so fulfill for us what you have promised us. 18

7. In al-Kafi: From ‘Ala’ ibn Kamil who said: I was sitting in the company of Abi ‘Abdillah (as) when (suddenly) a woman’s scream was heard from the house, so Abu ‘Abdillah (as) stood up then he sat down and regained his composure and returned to his talk until he had completed it, then he said: “We (the Ahl al-Bayt) like the well-being of our selves, our children and our possessions but when there is a divine ordinance, it is not for us to like something which Allah does not like for us.”19

Note: al-Kulayni has narrated two other ahadith with similar a meaning and al-Saduq has also narrated this in al-Faqih and Ikmal al-Din.20

8. In al-Kafi: From ‘Ali ibn Ibrahim from his father, from (the Imam (as)) who said: Thesunnah with regards to ‘Hunut’ (camphor used in the embalmment of the dead) is (to use) the equivalent of (the weight of) thirteen and one third dirhams. Then he (as) said: Jibra’il descended on the Holy Prophet (S) with ‘Hunut’ weighing the equivalent of forty dirhams, so the Noble Prophet (S) divided it into three (equal) portions, a portion for himself, a portion for ‘Ali (as) and a portion for Fatimah (as).21

Note: This has also been narrated by Shaykh Tusi in al-Tahdhib and by al-Saduq in al-’Ilal, al-Faqih, Fiqh al-Rid’a and al-Hidayah.22

9. Also: In his narration from Zurarah and Muhammad ibn Muslim who said: We said to Abi Ja’far (as): “Is the turban of the dead body a part of the shroud?” He said: “No. The obligatory shroud is made up of three pieces of cloth or in the very least, (if these cannot be procured) one complete cloth that shrouds the entire body. Anything more than this issunnah until it reaches five cloths, and anything more than that is an innovation and the turban issunnah .”23

10. In al-Tahdhib: Using the ‘Jarid’ (palm branches - stripped of the leaves - which are buried along with the dead body) is also from thesunnah .24

11. Shaykh Tusi in his book ‘Ghaybah’: From Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-’Alawi and others in a long hadith from Musa ibn Ja’far (as) who said: We the Ahl al-Bayt - the dower of our women, the pilgrimage of those from among us who have not been for pilgrimage, and the shrouds of our dead are (all) from our purest wealth; and I have my shroud with me ...25

12. In Ja’fariyat: In his narration from ‘Ali (as): When the Holy Prophet (S) prayed over a dead body, if it was a man, he would stand next to his chest and if it was a woman, he would stand next to her head.26

Note: This has also been narrated in al-Da’aim, and in al-Tahdhib from Jabir from Abi Ja’far (as).27

13. In ‘Awali al-La’ali: From Abi Sa’id al-Khudri: He (S) never rode a mount on (the day of)‘eid or (while attending) a funeral - ever.28

14. In al-Kafi: In his narration from al-Sakuni from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: Amir al-Mu’minin (as) said: It became thesunnah from the Holy Prophet (S) that none should enter the grave of a woman except those who (were allowed to) see her in her lifetime.29

15. Also: In his narration from ‘Ali ibn Yaqtin who said: I heard Aba al-Hasan (as) saying: Do not go down into the grave wearing a turban, cap, scarf or shoes and undo your buttons (before going in) as this was thesunnah of the Noble Prophet (S); and seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaitan and reciteFatihatal Kitab (Surah al-Hamd): ‘al-Mu’awwadhatayn’ (Surah al-Nas Surah al-Falaq): ‘Qul huwAllahu Ahad’ and Ayat al-Kursi.30

Note: This has also been narrated by al-Saduq in al-’Ilal and al-Shaykh al-Tusi in al-Tahdhib.31

16. Also: In his narration from ‘Umar ibn Udhaynah who said: I saw Aba ‘Abdillah (as) throw dust over the dead body (in the grave). He held the dust in his hand for some time and then threw it and he never threw more than three handfuls. So I asked him about this. He replied: “O ‘Umar! I was saying:

هٌذَا مَا وَعَدَ اللٌّهُ وَرَسُولَهُ وَ صَدَقَ اللٌّهُ وَ رَسُولُهُ وَ مَا زَادَهُمْ إِلاَّ إِيـمَاناً وَ تَسْلِيماً.

“... this is what Allah and his Prophet promised and Allah and His promised spoke the truth - and it only increased them in faith and submission.” (Surat al-Ahzab (33): 22)

This is what the Holy Prophet (S) used to do and it thus became thesunnah .”32

17. In Qurb al-Isnad: From ‘Ali (as): It is (from) thesunnah to sprinkle some water on the grave.33

18. In al-Tahdhib: In his narration from Musa ibn Ikil al-Numayri from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: Thesunnah with regards to sprinkling water on the grave is that one should face the Qiblah and start sprinkling water from the side of the head to the side of the legs, then go round the grave to the other side, then sprinkle water on the middle of the grave; and this is thesunnah .34

19. In Fiqh al-Rid’a: Thesunnah is for the grave to be raised (to the height of) four opened fingers from the ground, and if it is (raised) more than this there is no problem; and the grave should be leveled and not rounded.35

20. In al-Kafi: In his narration from Hashim ibn Salim from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: When Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (as) was martyred, the Holy Prophet (S) told Fatimah (as) to take food to Asma’ bint ‘Umays for three days and to come to her with her womenfolk and stay with her for

three days, thus it became thesunnah to provide food to the grieving family for three days.36

Note: A similar narration is mentioned by al-Barqi in al-Mahasin and by al-Saduq in al-Faqih and Fiqh al-Rid’a, and by al-Shaykh al-Tusi in al-Amali.37

21. Also: In his narration from Hariz or someone else who said: Abu Ja’far (as) bequeathed eight hundred dirhams for his obsequies and he considered this to be from thesunnah because the Noble Prophet (S) said: “Take food for the family of Ja’far (ibn Abi Talib) for they are preoccupied (in mourning).”38

22. In al-Faqih: al-Sadiq (as) said: Eating at the house of the grieving (family) is a practice from the age of ignorance and thesunnah is (only) to send the food to them.39

References

1. Makarim al-Akhlaq: 357

2. al-Tamhis: 34, Bihar al-Anwar 16:275

3. al-Kafi 3:168, Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:453

4. Ibid.

5. )DQurb al-Isnad: 42, al-Tahdhib 1:456 (with another chain of narrators mentioning it from al-Husain

6. al-Da`awat: 256

7. al-Ja’fariyat: 202

8. al-Kafi 3:200, Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:460

9. al-Kafi 3:200

10. Musakkin al-Fu`ad: 108

11. al-Da’awat: Mustadrak al-Da’awat: 287

12. Makarim al-Akhlaq: 15, al-Manaqib 1:146

13. Amali al-Tusi 2:252

14. Makarim al-Akhlaq: 392

15. Tibb al-A`immah: 83

16. Makarim al-Akhlaq: 401

17. Majmu’at Warram: 255

18. Musakkin al-Fu’ad: 56

19. al-Kafi 3:226

20. al-Kafi 3:225-226, al-Faqih 1:187, Kamal al-Din wa Tamam al-Ni’mah 1:73

21. al-Kafi 3:151

22. Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:290, ‘Ilal al-Shara’i: 302, Fiqh al-Imam al-Rid’a: 168, al-Faqih 1:149

23. al-Kafi 3:144, Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:292

24. Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:326, al-Muqni’: 18, al-Faqih 1:144

25. al-Ghaybah: 23, al-Mustadrak 2:231, Tuhf al-’Uqul: 412

26. al-Ja’fariyat: 210

27. Da`aim al-Islam 1:235, Tahdhib al-Ahkam 3:190

28. ‘Awali al-La`ali 2:220, al-Mustadrak 2:300

29. al-Kafi 3:194, Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:325, al-Ja’fariyat: 203

30. al-Kafi 3:192

31. ‘Ilal al-Sharai’: 305, Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:313

32. al-Kafi 3: 198

33. Qurb al-Isnad: 72, al-Ja’fariyat: 203

34. Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:320

35. al-Fiqh al-Mansub li al-Imam al-Rid’a: 175, al-Mustadrak 2:335

36. al-Kafi 3:217

37. al-Mahasin: 419, al-Faqih 1:182, Fiqh al-Imam al-Rid’a: 172, Amali al-Tusi 2:272

38. al-Kafi 3:217

39. al-Faqih 1:182

Chapter 12: On the Adab of Medication

1. In Qurb al-Isnad: In his narration from Husayn ibn Dhareef from, al-Husayn ibn ‘Alwan, from Ja’far from his father (as): The Holy Prophet (S) got the center of his head cupped.1 Abu Dhabiyyah performed the cupping with his special instrument and the Holy Prophet (S) gave him onesa’ (three kilos) of dates. He (also) said: The Noble Prophet (S) would introduce sesame-seed oil nasally (putting it in his nose) when he had a headache.2

Note: al-Kulayni has also mentioned a similar narration.3 It has also been mentioned in the section on cleanliness, he (S) would (also) put oil on his eyebrows (to get relief) from headaches.

2. In al-Kafi: Narrated from Bakr ibn Salih, al-Nawfali and others, attributing it to Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: The Holy Prophet (S) did not use any medicine for the common cold, saying: “There is nobody who is not susceptible to leprosy, so when he catches the cold, it subdues the leprosy.”4

3. Also: Narrated from Muhammad ibn al-Fayd’ who said: I told Abi ‘Abdillah (as): “A person from among us became sick so he was ordered by the healers to (stick to a certain) diet.” He said: “But we, the Ahl al-Bayt, do not diet except from dates, and we use apple and cold water as remedies.” I said: “And why do you diet from dates?” He replied: “Because the Holy Prophet (S) prescribed this diet for ‘Ali (as) when he was ill.”5

Note: al-Saduq has narrated this in al-’Ilal6 and similar narrations have also been narrated by others.7

Addendum to this Chapter

1. In Ma’ani al-Akhbar: From Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: The Noble Prophet (S) would perform cupping on this head and would call it ‘al-mughithah’ (the reliever) or ‘al-munqidhah’ (the rescuer).8

2. In al-Makarim: From al-Sadiq (as) who said: The Holy Prophet (S) would perform cupping on Mondays after the ‘Asr prayer.9

Note: This is also narrated by al-Saduq in al-Khisal.10

3. In al-Bihar: Zayd al-Nursi said: I heard Aba al-Hasan (as) saying: Washing the head with marsh mallow on Fridays is from thesunnah . It brings abundance in sustenance and averts poverty. It improves the hair and skin and prevents headaches.11

4. Also: From one of our companions who said: I heard Aba ‘Abdillah (as) saying: The Holy Prophet would wash his head withsidr (lotus jujube) saying: “The one who washes his head withsidr , Allah will ward off from him the temptations of Shaitan; and the one who is not plagued by the temptations of Shaitan does not sin, and the one who does not sin shall enter paradise.”12

Note: The first section has been narrated by al-Saduq in Thawab al-A’mal.13

5. Ibna Bastam in Tibb al-A’immah: Narrated from the chain of ‘Ammar from Fudhayl al-Rassan who said: Abu ‘Abdillah (as) said: From the remedies and medicines of the prophets (as) are cupping, depilatory and (medicinal) snuff.14

6. al-Qutb al-Rawandi in his Da’awat: From the Noble Prophet (S) who said: “Should I not teach you about the medicine that was taught to me by

Jibra’eel - after which you will not need any physician or cure?” They said: “Yes, O Prophet of Allah!” He said: “Take rain water and recite on itFatihat al-Kitab (Surah al-Hamd) seventy times: ‘Qul A’udhu Birabbi al-Nas’ (Surah an-Nas) seventy times: ‘Qul A’udhu Birabbi al-Falaq’ (Surah al-Falaq) seventy times,Salawat seventy times and‘SubhanAllah’ seventy times and then drink from this water in the morning and at night for seven days consecutively.”15

7. In al-Kafi: In his narration from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: The Holy Prophet (S) complained to his Lord (SwT) of back pain, so He ordered him to eat cereal with meat - meaning ‘al-Harisah’ (a dish made from mixing bulgur with meat).16

8. In al-Ja’fariyat: In his narration from ‘Ali (as): Whenever the Holy Prophet (S) suffered from any pain (in his body) he would perform cupping.17

9. Ibna Bastam in Tibb al-A’immah in his narration from Abi Usama who said: I heard Aba ‘Abdillah (as) saying: Our grandfather used nothing but the weight of ten dirhams of sugar mixed with cold water - on an empty stomach - to treat fever.18

Note: It is apparent that when he said ‘our grandfather’ he was referring to the Noble Prophet (S).

10. In Tibb al-A’immah: In his narration from Abi Basir from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: The Holy Prophet (S) used to perform cupping on the (veins of the) neck, so Jibra’il was sent to him by Allah (SwT) with (the instruction that he should perform the cupping on) the upper back (instead).19

11. Also: In the narration from Shu’aib who said: I mentioned (the narration about Amir al-Mu’minin (as) taking a bath after cupping) to Abi ‘Abdillah (as). He said: When the Holy Prophet (S) performed cupping, his blood got stirred up so he took a bath with cold water, and when Amir al-Mu’minin (as) entered the public baths, his body temperature rose so he poured some cold water to cool off.20

References

1. Cupping was a traditional medical practice that was used to increase blood supply to an area of the body. (Tr.)

2. Qurb al-Isnad: 52,53

3. al-Kafi 6:524

4. Ibid., 8:382

5. Ibid., 8:291

6. ‘Ilal al-Shara’i: 464

7. al-Mustadrak 16:452, al-Ja’fariyat: 199

8. Ma’ani al-Akhbar: 247,248

9. Makarim al-Akhlaq: 74

10. al-Khisal: 384

11. Bihar al-Anwar 76:88

12. Ibid., 76:88

13. Thawab al-A’mal: 37

14. Tibb al-A`immah: 57

15. al-Da’awat: 183

16. al-Kafi 6:320

17. al-Ja’fariyat: 162, al-Mustadrak 13:77

18. Tibb al-A`immah: 50

19. Ibid., 58

20. Ibid.

Chapter 13: Siwak (brushing teeth)

1. In al-Kafi: Narrated from Ishaq ibn ‘Ammar from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: Brushing teeth is from thesunnah of the prophets.1

2. In al-Khisal: In his narration from ‘Ali (as): Brushing teeth is liked by Allah (SwT) and is asunnah of the Noble Prophet (S) and a means of cleansing the mouth.2

Note: There are numerous similar narrations from various sources.

3. In al-Makarim: The Holy Prophet (S) would brush his teeth thrice every night. Once before sleeping, once when he woke up for the nightly worship and once before leaving for the Fajr prayer.3

4. In al-Kafi: Narrated from Ibn Abi ‘Umayr from Hammad from al-Halabi from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: When the Holy Prophet (S) had performed the ‘Isha prayer, he would ask for a basin to perform ablution and hissiwak and (when they were brought) he would cover them and place them next to himself and sleep for some time - for as long as Allah willed - then he would wake up and brush his teeth, perform ablution and pray four rak’ahs after which he would go back to sleep. Then he would wake up (again) and brush his teeth, perform ablution and pray. Then he (as) said:

“Certainly you have in the Apostle of Allah an excellent exemplar.” (Surat al-Ahzab (33): 21)

At the end of the hadith he said that he (S) would brush his teeth each time he woke up from his sleep.4

5. From al-Saduq in al-Muqni’: The Noble Prophet (S) would brush his teeth before every prayer.5

6. In al-Makarim: When the Holy Prophet (S) brushed his teeth, he would brush them widthwise.6

7. Also: He (S) would brush his teeth with (asiwak from) ‘al-Arak’ 7 as this is what Jibra’il (as) told him to do.8

Addendum to this Chapter

1. In al-Mahasin: From Muhammad al-Halabi from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: The Holy Prophet (S) used to brush his teeth a lot.9

Note: This has been narrated by al-Saduq in al-Faqih, Ibn Abi Jamhur in Lubb al-Lubab and al-Qadhi in al-Da’aim.10

2. In al-Faqih: Brushing teeth at the time ofsahar (i.e. the final hours of the night), before performing ablution, is from thesunnah .11

3. In al-Kafi: It has been narrated that it is (from the)sunnah to brush one’s teeth at the time ofsahar .12

4. From al-Qutb al-Rawandi in Lubb al-Lubab from the Noble Prophet (S) who said: “The bestsiwak is that of the blessed olive tree. It sweetens the breath and prevents cavities; and it is mysiwak and thesiwak of all the prophets before me.”13

5. In Jami’ al-Akhbar: In a hadith from ‘Ali (as) from the Holy Prophet (S): The one who brushes his teeth twice a day has perpetuated thesunnah of the prophets (as).14

References

1. al-Kafi 6:495

2. al-Khisal 2:611, Makarim al-Akhlaq: 51, al-Kafi 6:495, al-Ja’fariyat: 15, al-Mahasin: 562, Tuhf al-’Uqul: 101

3. Makarim al-Akhlaq: 39

4. al-Kafi 3:445, Majma’ al-Bayan 2:555, Tahdhib al-Ahkam: 35

5. al-Muqni’: 8

6. Makarim al-Akhlaq: 35

7. A type of tree. (Tr.)

8. Makarim al-Akhlaq: 39

9. al-Mahasin: 563

10. al-Faqih 1:53

11. Ibid., 1:481

12. al-Kafi 3:23

13. Quoted by al-Nuri in al-Mustadrak 1:369 from Lubb al-Lubab

14. Jami’ al-Akhbar: 68

Chapter 14: The Adab of Wud'u

1. In al-Faqih: The Holy Prophet (S) would renew hiswud’u 1 for every compulsory act of worship and everysalah (ritual prayer).2

2. From al-Qutb in ayat al-Ahkam: From Sulayman ibn Buraydah from his father: The Noble Prophet (S) would performwud’u for everysalah and when the year of the conquest (of Makkah) came, he would perform thesalawat 3 with onewud’u so ‘Umar said: “O Apostle of Allah! You have done something which you have not done before?” He (S) replied: “I did it knowingly.”4

3. In al-Ja’fariyat: In his narration from Ja’far ibn Muhammad from his fathers (as) (who said that): ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) used to performwudhu for everysalah and he would recite the ayah:

“When you stand for prayer wash your faces ...” (Surat al-Ma`idah (5): 6)

Ja’far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq (as) said that he would do this to attain excellence. The Holy Prophet (S), Amir al-Mu’minin (as) and the companions of the Holy Prophet (S) would (also) combine the prayers with onewud’u .5

4. In al-Kafi: Narrated from Zurarah who said: Abu Ja’far (as) said: “Should I not tell you about the Holy Prophet’s (S)wud’u ?” We replied: “Yes.” He said: “Bring me a bowl with some water.” Then he placed it in front of him and rolled up his sleeves. Then he dipped his right hand (in it) and said: “This (is done) if your hand istahir (clean from what is deemed impure).” Then he scooped a handful of water and placed it on his forehead and said‘bismillah’ and let it drip down to the edges of his beard.

Then he passed his palm on his face and forehead once. Then he dipped his left hand and scooped out a handful of water and placed it on his right elbow and passed his palm over his (right) arm until water had reached the edge of his fingers. Then he scooped a handful of water with his right hand and placed it on the left elbow and passed his palm over his (left) arm until the water reached the edge of his fingers. He then wiped the front part of his head and the back of his feet with the wetness of his left hand and the remaining wetness of his right hand.

Abu Ja’far (as) said: Surely Allah is single and he likes singularity. It is sufficient to performwud’u with three handfuls (of water), one for the face and two for the arms, and (then) wipe the front of your head with the wetness of your right hand and with what remains of the wetness of your right hand wipe the back of your right foot and with the wetness of your left hand wipe the back of your left foot.

Zurarah said: Abu Ja’far (as) said: A man asked Amir al-Mu’minin (as) about thewud’u of the Holy Prophet (S) so he described it to him in this way.6

Note: There are many similar narrations from Zurarah and Bukair. These have been narrated by al-Saduq, al-Tusi, al-’Ayyashi, al-Mufid, al-Karajiki and others, and the ahadith from Ahl al-Bayt in this regard are numerous.7

5. From Mufid al-Din al-Tusi in his Amali: Narrated from Abi Hurayrah (that): When the Noble Prophet (S) would performwud’u , he would always start with his right side (before his left).8

6. In al-Tahdhib: In his narration from al-Husayn ibn Sa’id from Ibn Sinan from Ibn Miskan from Abi Basir who said: I asked Aba ‘Abdillah (as) aboutwud’u and he said: “The Holy Prophet performedwud’u with amudd (of water) and he performedghusl with asa’ 9 (of water).”10

Note: There is a similar narration from Abi Ja’far (as) with a different chain of narrators.11

7. In al-’Uyun: Narrated by two chains of narrators, from al-Rid’a from his fathers (as) - in a lengthy hadith: The Holy Prophet (S) said: It is not permissible for us - the Ahl al-Bayt - to accept charity, and we have been ordered to perform the ritual purification perfectly; and we do not mate donkeys with mares.12

8. In al-Tahdhib: In his narration from Husayn ibn Sa’id from Qasim ibn ‘Urwah from ‘Abdillah ibn Sinan from Abi ‘Abdillah (as) who said: rinsing the mouth and putting water in the nose (while performingwud’u ) were from thesunnah of the Holy Prophet (S).13

Addendum to this Chapter

1. In al-Khisal: From al-Sakuni from Abi ‘Abdillah from his fathers from ‘Ali (as) who said: The Holy Prophet (S) said: There are two things which I would not like anyone to participate in with me - mywud’u as it is part of mysalah and my charity as it is placed in the hands of the Most Merciful.14

2. In al-Manaqib: He (S) would keep his water forwud’u himself at night.15

3. In al-Ikhtisas: From ‘Abdillah ibn Abi Rafi’ from his father from his grandfather who said: When the Noble Prophet (S) performed hiswud’u forsalah , he moved his rings three times.16

4. In Majma’ al-Bayan: The Holy Prophet (S) would wipe the front part of his head (while performingwud’u ) and this would be approximately one fourth of the head (span).17

5. In Amali of al-Shaykh al-Tusi: From Abi Ishaq al-Hamadani in a hadith from ‘Ali (as) who said: Rinse your mouth three times, put water in your nose three times, wash your face, then your right hand and then your left hand, then wipe your head and your feet, for I saw the Apostle of Allah (S) doing this.18

References

1. Ritual ablution performed before acts of worship esp. salah. (Tr.)

2. al-Faqih 1:39, Da`aim al-Islam 1:100, al-Mustadrak 1:294

3. Plural of salah - ritual prayers. (Tr.)

4. Fiqh al-Qur`an 1:12

5. al-Ja’fariyat:17, al-Mustadrak 1:295

6. al-Kafi 3:25

7. al-Faqih 1:36, Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:55, al-Istibsar 1:58, Tafsir al-`Ayyashi 1:298 - Surat al-Ma`idah, Kanz al-Fawa`id: 69

8. Amali al-Tusi 1:397

9. An old measurement - Mudd is equivalent to about 750 ml and Sa` is equivalent to 3 liters. (Tr.)

10. Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:136, al-Istibsar 1:121, al-Ja’fariyat: 16

11. Tahdhidb al-Ahkam 1:136

12. ‘Uyun Akhbar al-Rid’a 2:28, Sahifat al-Imam al-Rid’a: 46

13. Tahdhib al-Ahkam 1:79, al-Ikhtisas: 36, Usul al-Sittata ‘Ashar: 157

14. al-Khisal 1:33, Tafsir al-’Ayyashi 2:108 - Surat al-Tawbah, al-Ja’fariyat:17

15. al-Manaqib 1:146

16. al-Ikhtisas: 160

17. Majma’ al-Bayan 3:164 - Surat al-Ma`idah (5)

18. Amali al-Tusi 1:29