The Prescribed Prayer: Chapter One (cont.)

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SUNNANUL FITRAH (THE SUNNAHS OF NATURE)

The Almighty Allah has chosen for His prophets, may His peace and blessings be upon them, the acts and the external characteristics of Fitrah, nature, and commanded us to emulate them, as this will be a sign for the followers of Allah and His prophets. These acts include:

1. Al-Khitaan, circumcision, a simple operation in which the foreskin of the male sexual organ is cut. Abu-Hurairah reported the Prophet said:

   "(The Prophet) Ibraaheem, the friend of Allah, was circumcised when he was eighty years old; he was circumcised at Qaduum (a place in Shaam), or with a carpenter's instrument." (Al-Bukharee)

   Although no time is set for the circumcision, it is recommended that the operation be done on the day of 'Aqeeqah, the day the child is named, seven days after the child's birth.

2. Shaving the pubes: this could be achieved either by cutting or trimming the hair. The pubes is the hair that appears on the lower part of what is known as the hypogastic region at puberty.

3. Plucking the hair under the armpits: this could be done by cutting or trimming the hair.

4. Cutting the nails, clipping the moustache. Abu-Hurairah reported the Prophet said:
   "Five are the acts of Fitrah, circumcision, cutting the nails, shaving, clipping the moustache, and plucking the hair under the armpits." (Muslim)

   These acts are better if done once a week so that one appears clean. Other Sunnahs by Muslim and others recommend that no one should neglect this Sunnah more than forty nights.

5. Sparing and growing the beard is highly recommended in several Ahaadeeth, among them Hadeeth of Ibn 'Umar in which he reported the Prophet said:

   "Act against the polytheists, trim closely the moustache and grow the beard." (Al-Bukhaaree/Muslim)

   The beard is a sign of manhood and full dignity. Indeed, these acts are much needed among the Muslim Ummah as it is hard these days to differentiate between man and woman as they sometimes tend to dress, walk, and talk the same. This is why the Prophet forbade men behaving like women and women behaving like men. May Allah protect us.

6. Taking care of the hair by using good hair care products and combing it so that it appears natural and good looking. The Prophet said:

   "Let he who has hair respect it." (Abu Daawuud)

   However, the Prophet prohibited cutting the hair on one side and leaving the other side grow. He said:

   "Cut it all or leave it all." (Muslim)

7. Leaving gray hair on the head or beard. The Prophet mentioned that it is a light for a Muslim. However, it may be dyed with color to make it look good.

8. Using perfume is recommended, as it gives one a good feeling. The Prophet used to like Musk more than any other kind of perfume.

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