Indexed OCR Text

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manner. This is because the knowledge of the husband is necessary for
reformation. And Allah knows best. We will now quote that article.
Points to remember
I am writing this article in order to inform women on their lack of
intelligence which is considerable and regarding which I have some
experience. I do not consider it to be appropriate to conceal these
shortcomings of theirs at this stage. I am writing this to serve as an example
and that they may come to know of these shortcomings.
1. Generally, women of this nature reduce the honour and respect of their
husbands in comparison to themselves. They impose themselves over their
husbands in such a manner that it is as though the husband is a woman and
the wife is a man.
2. Some women make this intention and claim from the very day of their
marriage that they will live separately. The moment such a woman comes
to the house of her in-laws, she plants the seeds of turmoil with her father-
in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, etc. She spends all her time thinking
and planning of ways to cause trouble in the house.
3. This woman destroys the numerous hopes and wishes of the poor in-laws
who bring a daughter-in-law into their home. She makes them taste the
consequences of this marriage very quickly.
4. This daughter-in-law does not have the patience to wait for the ideal
opportunity to separate from the in-laws. When the time comes, she will
have to separate from them. If a person did not separate or move away from
his family, we would not have had so many towns and cities. But she does
not even have this intelligence to wait for the ideal opportunity. She wants
everything to happen immediately.
5. She causes tension to her husband in this way and tells him various
stories to the extent that even he cannot escape from being influenced by
her. She has arguments with her father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law,
and whoever else may be in the house. She engages in all these fights and
arguments intentionally so that she may be able to go and live separately.
Eventually, according to her wishes, the separation takes place very quickly
because every person would like an end to arguments and fights.
6. The woman utters such words to her husband that he begins perspiring
on account of listening to them. But what can he do apart from remaining

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silent? If he has to reply verbally, by indication of his eyes or physically
with his hands, you must see the conflict that will ensue and see how the
entire neighbourhood comes to know of it. The woman will cry out aloud
and portray herself to the entire neighbourhood in such a way as though it is
the man's fault.
7. If the woman presents herself according to the pleasure of her husband
and obedience to her in-laws from the very day of her marriage, what is
wrong with that? But no, she troubles her husband in numerous ways. If the
husband feels that the sensible thing to do is to restrain himself and go
outside, the stupid wife feels that he went outside because he is afraid of
me. Later, she displays even more force.
8. Allah has blessed the man with strength, vigour and courage. Where will
he become afraid of the woman? He considers it prudent to restrain himself
but the woman does not even worry about this. All that she is concerned
about is to increase the arguments, fights, etc. that she had commenced with
from the day she married him.
9. Such women do not realize that their husbands undergo numerous
hardships and difficulties to provide for them and that they should
appreciate this. However, they do not even ponder over this by mistake.
One should think over this state of affairs.
10. When the husband sees that there is no way of reforming the woman's
lack of discernment and her improper manners, he gives up and leaves
home. He does not even think of returning home after several years. His
heart becomes so hard towards his wife that he takes up a job wherever he
finds one, earns a living for himself and uses this as a means to gain
internal happiness. The woman remains at home fighting with her in-laws
so that they may send her to her husband. But she does not realize that he
left because of her. She does not even regret her stupidity.
11. If the woman does everything to please her husband from the very first
day and obeys her in-laws in a way that they do not even realize that their
daughter-in-law will go and live separately at some time in the future, she
will turn the entire household into her slaves. If the husband or in-laws have
certain shortcomings which are contrary to the temperament of the wife,
she must try to reform their ways in a beautiful and appropriate manner
with full wisdom and prudence that they do not even realize what she is
doing. If she is able to do this, those shortcomings will disappear from
them. But if she does this by imposing upon them or acting against their

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wishes, they will never be reformed. In fact, the husband will become more
stubborn. If the woman cannot even maintain the love of her husband
towards her, whose fault is it?
12. Some stupid women think that they have come from very rich homes
and that they have brought many possessions to this house. It is therefore
below their dignity to obey their husbands and in-laws. Some women go to
the extent that they do not even speak properly with their husbands -
serving them is very far-fetched. They will either lie around or sleep the
entire day with a frown on their faces.
13. These days, women have innovated a new method of displaying their
elegance and affluence. That is, they complain of being ill and do not even
get out of bed. They will complain of a headache and cause discomfort to
their husbands and in-laws. They will demand expensive medicines, silver
leaves, a special fruit jam and other supplements. In short, even her
headache is not given a chance. At times, she will complain of being
overpowered by a demon.
14. These women make their husbands completely subservient to them in
such a way that they lose their intelligence and senses and become
absolutely dim-witted persons. The husband has no alternative but to agree
to whatever she says. Alternatively, he has to execute her wishes and
commands immediately. He has to remain subservient to her all the time, or
else the consequences will be terrible.
15. On account of their short temper, their numerous arguments and their
stupidity, such women destroy all the barakah of the house. They behave
with their husbands as though he is an enemy. These days, some men find
comfort only in the absence of their wives. When the husband receives a
letter from his wife, the only thing it contains is stories of the fights that she
had and complaints about the in-laws. Alternatively, she will ask for more
money. At times she uses such concocted words that the moment he
completes reading the letter, he tears it up immediately so that no one else
may see it.
16. The husband earns a few rands and sends it to his wife. But the only
thing she knows is to show that she owes a lot of money or send him some
concocted calculations and demand for more money. She does not even
think for a moment what difficulties he underwent in order to send that
money. She does not realize that he has full concern of running the house,
why should she write to him and put him under more stress and tension?

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She does not even think over what difficulties he underwent in that far
away place and how he gave up many comforts in order to send her the
money order. If the husband was living in comfort, how will he send you all
this money so that you may live a comfortable life?
17. These ungrateful women do not express their gratitude to their husbands
even by mistake. They do not even praise their husbands in the presence of
his friends and relatives. What they will definitely do is cast thousands of
accusations against him and continue complaining about their poverty and
lack of resources at home in the presence of her entire family and outsiders
as well. In short, they do not allow the honour of the husband to remain
intact. You will not come across a woman whose husband has sent her
plenty of money, using it to run the house in a beautiful manner, saving the
extra money and handing it over to the husband the moment he returns
home.
18. On the contrary, what she will do is that the moment he returns home
she will ask him for money in order to fulfil her debts, and treating her
debtors like enemies, she will summon for them to present themselves in
front of her husband. As a result of this, the husband will regret his decision
to return home and feel very sorry for falling into all these difficulties.
19. You will find many women demanding more money from their
husbands on the pretext that they have many debts when in fact they are
saving this money for themselves. They do not even mind having their
husbands spending their entire lives in a far away place merely to fill their
own bank balances.
20. These days, women have adopted this attitude that no matter what
happens, they must set aside some money. When they go to their parents'
house or relatives house, they secretly hand over this money to them
without the in-laws coming to know of this. In short, the status and honour
of the husband which is the result of all his earning is nothing according to
her. The husband works in a far away place like an overworked wretch and
dies, but the woman does not allow him to live at home in comfort and
ease.
21. On account of the husband working far away, he does not know what
type of clothing, jewellery, money, etc. is present at home. At times he
might come home for a short visit and in the meantime the wife has given
the household effects, clothing, jewellery, etc. to her brother or anyone else
she wishes and no one has the courage to say anything.

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22. When the husband brings anything from overseas for her, she looks at it
scornfully and finds hundreds of faults. If she happens to fancy what he has
brought, she does not express her happiness or her gratitude in the presence
of her husband or his relatives. She will immediately keep it away and later
do whatever she wishes with it.
23. Women are in the habit of imposing on their husbands at a time when
relatives come to the house. They will start an argument over trivial matters
and cause great embarrassment to their husbands and in-laws. It is as if they
have become enemies at that time.
24. When the husband brings anything from overseas for his brothers,
relatives, spiritual guide, etc. the wife does not allow the husband to give it
and says to him that he cannot give it to anyone without her consent. You
must see the consequences of this and how the entire neighbourhood looks
at this spectacle. Out of anger, the wife will punish the husband and the
other house folk for several days.
25. When the husband sends any money to the wife with someone, the wife
immediately goes to purchase expensive jewellery, clothing, brocades, etc.
which are well beyond her status and financial position and which are
normally purchased by the very rich. The following day she writes a letter
to the husband stating that the money that you have sent has been used to
pay all the creditors and that there is no money left to run the house.
Therefore send more money. In this way, she puts her husband under great
stress.
26. These days, women are also in the habit of mentioning everything that
transpires at their in-laws' houses to their parents. The woman does not
even worry about whether it is true or false. Upon hearing these stories, her
mother will mention them to her entire family after having multiplied them
several times (i.e. she would exaggerate these stories). When her relatives
go to the in-laws' place, the mother sides with the daughter and many
arguments follow. This becomes known to the other relatives and at times
they result in physical fights as well.
27. Let someone ask if such a woman has any love and affection towards
her husband - definitely not. She is the lord and ruler over her husband. It is
not possible for the rule of the woman to vanish or for any of her orders to
be disobeyed. Let the man do something out of his own accord and you
must see the scene that will follow.
28. The wife will ask the husband about what he is thinking or what's in his
heart. The husband, under the assumption that she is his confidant, tells her

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everything. As a result of this, the woman becomes more daring and
courageous and the husband loses all his honour. Everywhere, it is
considered to be necessary to gain the upper hand over the husband and to
bring him at the feet of the wife.
29. The woman develops a natural dislike for the husband's relatives,
brothers, sisters, etc. and continues complaining about them irrespective of
whether it is true or false. Her actual purpose of this is that they must not
mix with them a lot and that all contact with them must be severed.
30. Such women have turned their husbands into real dim-witted persons,
tied a nose-string in their noses and led them wherever they wish. They,
owing to their high ambitions, follow their husbands like tails to foreign
lands. All they wish to do is view all the attractions of rail travel, to
experience the climate of foreign lands, and to experience the various
pleasures they have to offer. The greatest objective is to make some
arrangements to ensure that whatever the husband earns comes entirely into
their possession because they are under the impression that the men are
living in luxury and that they squander their money. Such women have
rendered their husbands worthless. It has become very difficult for men to
pursue employment without the womenfolk being around. It seems as
though the women themselves are being employed. The women have
resorted to such measures of sorcery and ta'wiz that the men have become
ensnared in their traps, turning them into their disciples.
31. When there is any marriage or funeral in their family, the women get
together and begin gossiping about their husbands and speak ill of them.
The women in turn go back to their respective husbands and inform them of
what transpired. The husbands then go and inform their friends and make a
mockery of the whole thing. In short, the women spread stories that did not
even occur.
32. These women have amulets and charms made for their husbands. They
even request the women who come to their houses to have these amulets
made for their husbands. In return for this favour, they give them some
flour or pea-seeds without the in-laws coming to know of this. I am quite
aware of some women who are forever in pursuit of an owl's tongue to feed
it to their husbands no matter how obedient the husband is to her.
33. The actual reason for men losing their honour and the women gaining
control over them is that they accompany their husbands on journeys and
thereby become bold and courageous and gain full control of them. Once

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the woman realizes this, she has the courage to scold him several times a
day. The poor husband listens to everything she has to say. At times, he
even laughs and expresses his willingness and happiness.
34. All the above factors are found less among the wives of poor people
and those living in the small villages. The reason for this is that they are not
so intelligent, their pre-occupation with domestic tasks does not allow them
to do this nor are they in the habit of picking fights all the time. They
merely fulfil their tasks and pass their time in a good way. As for the
woman who is self-opinionated, egotistic, self-centred, who is filled with
the love for governing and comfort, and also has all these factors at her
disposal will initiate numerous fights and arguments. This is because she
has no work to do and no responsibilities. If she does not engage in all these
arguments, what else can she do?
35. If such a woman is educated, then at times her ways and manners also
become evil. These days, some enthusiastic people are clamouring for the
education of women to be equal to that of men. It is due to this that all this
vagrancy is present today and the evil consequences of this have already
been experienced.
36. You will not find a woman (except a few) who advises her husband and
informs him that she does not want any income other than that which is
halal. If a woman does this, her husband will never bring any harâm money
or money that has been obtained by accepting bribes. On the contrary,
women prompt and demand their husbands to bring such harâm income. In
fact, some of them will go to the extent of telling the husband that he has no
proficiency in earning any money. A certain person earns the same money
as you but you don't have anything. He has everything in his house. In this
way, they utter many other things in order to prompt the husband into
bringing more money. It is due to the desires of such women that the
husband becomes disgraced and even ends up in prison.
37. The women possess jewellery and other items on which zakât is wajib.
It does not even cross their minds that they are answerable to Allah and that
they should fulfil this obligation that is due to Allah. If the husband decides
to pay the zakât, the woman does not allow him to do so - thinking that all
that she has collected is decreasing. No matter how much you give them,
they always find it little.
38. On account of the husband working far away, the woman is free to do
whatever she wishes and becomes so desirous of luxury and comfort that

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when the husband returns home, she considers it below her dignity to see to
his needs or to feed him with freshly cooked food. At times she will also
remark that the husband was better off away from home. Why did he have
to come home now?
39. How sad that today men have lost their dignity, their honour and their
masculinity in the presence of the women of today and have been rendered
absolutely weak.
40. If such a woman is able to read and write and someone has to secretly
write a letter to her, won't she reply to that letter? Even if she does not reply
to it, she will definitely read the letter with great attention and think over it.
Later they will begin corresponding to each other and lead to other factors
as well.
41. These days women who are able to read and write obtain novels from
the shops and occupy themselves all the time in reading them. They spend
all their time thinking of ways of obtaining such novels.
Request: We request the reader to read the beginning of the precautionary
note again - the essence of which is that every woman is not evil and every
man is not a saint. Therefore, the above factors do not apply to all women
but certain women only.

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BAHISHTI ZEWAR - PART EIGHT
HEALTH MATTERS
Health is a thing which causes a person's heart to remain satisfied. The
result of this is that the person is greatly motivated in fulfilling acts of
ibaadah and other good deeds. When he experiences the benefit of eating
and drinking, he expresses his gratitude to Allah Ta'ala. When his body is
strong, he is able to do good work and be of service to others. Furthermore,
he is able to fulfil the rights of those who have rights over him. Taking the
necessary steps to acquire a healthy body with the above-mentioned goals
in mind is therefore an act of ibaadah and considered to be a religious act. It
is more important for women to have knowledge of these things because
their children are brought up under their care and supervision. Children do
not have any knowledge about things that would benefit them or cause
harm to them. When women do not have any knowledge of these (health)
matters, their children fall ill on account of their (the mothers) carelessness.
Even if the children are able to study and learn, their knowledge is affected
(on account of ill health). Furthermore, the sickness of the children or of the
wife places the men under great stress. It is their money that is spent for the
doctor's fees and medication. In short, there is nothing but harm. Rasulullah
sallallahu alayhi wa sallam has urged us to seek a cure and to take care of
our bodies. We are therefore writing a few necessary facts in this regard.
Air
1. The easterly wind is harmful to injuries and wounds. It causes further
weakness and debility to a weak person. One should protect oneself from
this wind when one is injured, has any wounds, or is in a purgative
situation. One should wear double (or thick) clothing when this wind
blows.
2. The southerly wind is generally hot. It loosens or opens the pores. Those
who have recovered from a sickness should protect themselves from this
wind. If not, there is the possibility of that sickness returning to them.
3. Do not allow dust and mud to accumulate in the house. This also causes
the air to become harmful. As far as possible, try and keep the toilet,

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bathroom and scullery far from the places in which you spend most of your
time (i.e. try and keep them far from the bedroom, lounge, dining-room,
etc.). Some women are in the habit of allowing their children to urinate or
relieve themselves anywhere and everywhere. If they display any caution,
then the most they do is cover that place. This is a very uncivil and harmful
act. The best thing to do would be to set aside a place for this (for example,
a toilet). If not, set aside a utensil for this and make sure that it is cleaned
immediately after the child has relieved himself.
4. Occasionally light some fragrant substance such as incense sticks,
camphor, etc. in the house. During an epidemic, light sulphur or incense in
every room of the house. Shut the windows properly so that these
fragrances are more effective.
5. Ensure that you switch off the lights before going to bed. Be extra
cautious if you have paraffin lamps because the harm of this is much
greater. It (paraffin) causes the air to become dry and causes damage to the
brains and eyes. In certain cases this has also caused death.
6. Don't ever sit in front of a fire after having closed the house.38 In some
instances this has resulted in the person being left breathless and being
unable to open the window, thereby causing his death.
7. Keep away from the cold in winter. If you have to have a bath, ensure
that you dry your hair immediately. If a person is "cold" by nature, he
should drink tea, or eat some honey and black-seed.
8. Just as it is important to safeguard yourself from the cold winds, it is also
necessary to do so from the hot winds. Wear thick coarse clothing at such
times. Wash your head with purified sulphur in summer.
Food
1. Always eat less than the extent of your hunger. If a person takes this into
consideration, he will be saved from hundreds of sicknesses.
2. Eat less in spring. Try and fast occasionally as well.
3. Try and eat more "cold" foods such as cucumbers in summer. If you
think it good enough, then obtain some medicine that is "cold" in nature
and give it to the old and young according to their needs, eg. water-lily
juice, lotus juice, or grape juice. Faluda is also very beneficial. By eating it.
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This refers to a fire that has no outlet for the smoke. Modern-day fireplaces which are built
into the homes together with proper outlets do not pose such a serious danger.

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one is not affected by the "heat" of fresh grain. Popping a few sweet basil
flower seeds would also have the same effect. Eat very little "hot" and dry
foods such as potatoes, etc.
4. In autumn abstain from foods which cause an increase in black bile. Such
foods include: oil, brinjal, beef, etc.
5. If possible, in winter one should eat foods and medicines that give
strength so that one may be saved from many sicknesses throughout the
year. Such foods include: half-boiled eggs and gaajar halwa (a sweetmeat
made with carrots). A half-boiled egg is prepared in the following manner:
wrap the egg in a thin cloth and dip it 100 times in boiling water.
Alternatively, place it in boiling water for three minutes. Thereafter, place it
in cold water for three minutes. Only the yolk of the egg should be eaten.
Egg-white does not have much nutritional value.
6. As long as there is no real need, do not be in the habit of taking too many
medicines. Try and manage minor sicknesses and ailments by reducing the
consumption of food or by changing your diet.
7. These days many changes and lack of caution has crept into the different
foods. This has led to many harms. We will therefore list a few beneficial
and harmful foods:
Beneficial foods: half-boiled eggs, the meat of young pigeons, the meat of
calves, mutton, lamb, quails, partridges, chicken, most wild birds, deer,
white antelope, the meat of other hunted animals, fish, wheat bread, grapes,
olives, pomegranates, apples, turnips, spinach, parsley, milk, jalebi, head
(of animals), trotters. However, it should be noted that head and trotters
cause the blood to thicken.
Harmful foods: Brinjal, radish, herbs of black-leaved mustard, the beef of
an old cow, carrots, dried meat (biltong will also be included in this), the
meat of a duck, beans (this refers to thin and long green beans), black pulse
(masoor), oil, molasses or treacle, sour foods.
When we say that such foods are harmful, it does not mean that one should
abstain from them totally. If a person is ill, he should abstain from them
completely. If he is not sick, he can eat a little depending on his natural
inclinations and temperament. There is no harm in eating them if the person
is strong and is used to such foods. In certain places it is the habit of giving
various types of foods to a woman who is in her confinement. At times they
give her a type of pulse, at other times they give her beef, while at times
they give her esculent vegetables which are very heavy on the system. This

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is a bad habit. One has to be extremely cautious during such times (i.e.
while in confinement or while ill, etc.). It is for this reason that we have
listed the harmful foods.
We will now explain the characteristic of each of the above-mentioned
harmful foods:
Brinjal: It has hot and dry properties. It has very little nourishment. It is
extremely harmful to people suffering from piles and those who have a
melancholic temperament. If a lot of ghee is added to it and it is eaten with
vinegar, a balance could be reached.
Radish: It has hot and dry properties. Its leaves have hotter properties. It is
harmful to the head, throat and teeth. It takes long to digest. However, other
foods are digested through it. It has a certain amount of benefit for those
suffering from piles. It has hot properties. However, if a cumin seed
marinated in vinegar is added to it, its harms are decreased. It is beneficial
to the spleen especially if it has been marinated in vinegar.
Black leaves of the mustard plant: It has hot properties. It is extremely
harmful to those who have kidney problems. If it is eaten in pregnancy,
there is the possibility of the baby dying.
Water chestnut: It also has hot properties.
Beef of an old cow: It has hot and dry properties. It causes the blood to
thicken and results in the formation of weak blood. It causes the formation
of black bile. It is harmful to those suffering from scabies, piles, hysteria,
spleen problems, and those who have a melancholic temperament. If it is
cooked with the peel of musk-melons and black pepper, its harms are
reduced. However, it does not cause great harm to those who are very
active. In fact, it makes one healthier than what goat meat would do.
However, caution is necessary when one is ill.
Duck meat: It has hot and dry properties and takes long to digest. However,
its harms are reduced when mint is added to it. Aquatic ducks are not as
harmful as domesticated ducks.
Carrots: It has hot and wet properties and takes long to digest. However, it
prevents a light fever and provides cheerfulness. It is for this reason that some
people say that it has cold properties. By cooking it in meat its harms are
reduced. Its jam is very beneficial. It gives strength to the womb. Pregnant
women should be extremely cautious in eating it because it causes bleeding.
Beans: They have hot and wet properties. They take very long to digest
thereby causing one to have bad dreams. By having them with vinegar and

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cinnamon, their harms are reduced. However, pregnant women should
never eat them.
Black pulse (masoor): It has dry properties. It is harmful to those who
suffer from piles, those who have weak stomachs, and those who have a
melancholic temperament. Its harms are reduced by adding extra ghee to it
or by mixing it with vinegar.
Oil: It has hot properties. It causes an increase in black bile. It is harmful to
those who have a melancholic temperament. Its harms are reduced when it
is mixed with esculent vegetables that have cold properties.
Molasses: It has hot properties. It causes an increase in black bile.
Sour foods: Eating excessive sour foods""" causes harm to the sinews and
tendons. They speed up the process of old age. Women should be extremely
cautious. This is especially so during pregnancy, confinement and the
common cold. If anything sweet is added to sour foods, the harms are
decreased.
8. Certain foods are such that if they are eaten individually, there is no harm
in them. However, when they are eaten with other foods, they are harmful.
In other words, as long as there is only one type of food in the stomach, it
will not be harmful. The hakeems (doctors specialising in herbal medicines)
say that it is sufficient to allow a gap of three hours (between one food and
another). They also say that anything sour or acidic should not be eaten
with milk. Similarly, betel leaves should not be eaten after drinking milk. If
one does this, the water that is present in the milk separates itself from the
milk in the stomach. Milk and fish should not be consumed together as
there is the fear of being stricken by paralysis and leprosy. Do not consume
milk and rice together with sattoo (finely crushed wheat or barley dish).
Water should not be drunk with oily or fatty substances.400 Do not keep oil
or ghee in a non-tinplated utensil. Do not eat food that has been cooked in a
bell-metal utensil (aluminium utensils are also not recommended). Food
that has been cooked in clay pots is the best. Do not drink water after
having eaten guavas, cucumbers, musk-melons, water-melons and other
green fruit. Do not eat head and trotters with grapes.
9. Do not eat food that is very hot. Drinking cold water after having eaten
hot food is very harmful to the teeth.
10. Un-sifted flour is better than sifted white flour. Food should be
thoroughly chewed. At the same time, one should eat quickly. Eating very
slowly causes harm to the process of digestion.
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Sour foods are very harmful to the mind and memory. They are also very harmful to men.
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There is the fear of this causing a cough, sore throat and chest pains.

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11. Do not sleep while you are very hungry. At the same time, do not sleep
immediately after eating. Allow at least two hours between eating and
sleeping.“
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12. As long as the food is not digested, do not eat again. If at least two
hours pass and you find that you are feeling a bit "light", there will be no
harm in eating after this.
Points to remember:
1. If you are constipated at any time, make sure that you treat it. The
simplest treatment is that you should not eat any bread. Instead, eat some
soup that has been prepared with meat fat. If this does not work, you will
have to obtain some medication.
2. If you pass stool that is softer than usual, make sure that you treat this as
well. Reduce the consumption of meat fat (and other fatty foods) and eat
grilled meat. However, if you experience diarrhoea or severe constipation,
make sure that you visit the doctor.
3. Do not go to pass stool immediately after eating. But if there is an urgent
need to do so, there will be no harm in this.
4. Don't ever hold yourself when there is a need to relieve yourself. Holding
back oneself at such times results in various sicknesses.
Water
1. Do not drink water402 immediately after waking up from your sleep, nor
should you go outside into the open immediately after waking up. If you are
very thirsty, then the best way to drink would be by holding your nose.
Take one sip at a time and once you have finished drinking, continue
holding your nose for a little while and do not breathe in through your nose.
In the same way, do not drink water immediately after having walked in the
heat. This is more so for the person who has suffered a heat stroke. If he
drinks a lot of water, he can die immediately. In the same way, water
should not be drunk on an empty stomach, nor should one drink water
immediately after having passed stool.
401
In the same way, do not engage in any mental work immediately after eating. One should do
this about two hours after eating. If not, there is a danger of causing harm to the stomach. There is
a strong relationship between the stomach and the brain. When the brain is occupied. it is difficult
for the stomach to fulfil its function effectively. This affects the digestion process and thereby
affects one's work.
402 This is especially so in winter. If you wish to drink cold water, drink as mentioned above. If
not, you will catch a cold.

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2. Do not drink salty or hot water. Rain water is the best. However, the
person who has a cough or suffers from asthma should not drink rain water.
At times you may notice that certain water has been mixed with some oily
substance. Such water is extremely harmful. If you wish to improve the
purity of harmful water, boil it till three quarters of the total is left, allow it
to cool, strain it (or filter it) and then drink it.
3. Always cover the utensil which is used to store water. In fact, try and
cover the tumbler with a fine cloth so that whenever you drink from it, you
will be drinking strained water.
403
4. Ice is harmful to the kidney. Women should be particularly cautious in
this regard and try not to make a habit of eating ice. Water that has been
cooled in saltpetre is much better.
5. Don't ever laugh while eating and drinking. At times this can cause
death.
Work and Relaxation
1. Do not relax so much that it causes you to gain weight and laziness
overtakes you. Don't let it happen that you are found in bed most of the
time while leaving your domestic tasks to others. This is because too much
of relaxation affects the fulfilment of domestic tasks and at times also
causes sicknesses. At the same time, do not overwork to the extent that you
fall ill. Instead, you should use your hands, feet, and the rest of your body
in a moderate way. The method for this is that you should do all your work
quickly. Abandon the habit of laziness. Adopt the habit of walking in the
house for a little while. If there is no fear of anyone seeing you outside,
walk around outside. Alternatively, if you live in a double-storey house, go
upstairs and come down a few times. Also try to use the spinning wheel and
millstone or grinding stone.404 We are not saying that you should start
earning money through this (i.e. grinding wheat and other products),
although there is nothing wrong with that. However, it is necessary for you
403
These precautions are more applicable in places where water is obtained from rivers, lakes,
wells, boreholes, etc. Normal municipal water is generally free from impurities and harmful
substances.
404
This refers to certain instruments which are used to grind wheat, dry herbs, spices, etc. With
the advent of electrical appliances; these manual instruments are very rarely used - especially in
western countries.

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to take care of your health. In undertaking such manual tasks, one remains
healthy. Look at those women who work hard in such manual tasks and see
how strong and healthy they are. As for those who seek relaxation all the
time, they are constantly under some medication or the other. Such work is
also known as exercise. Do not engage in any exercise for about three hours
after a meal. When you commence exercising, continue until you begin
perspiring or you begin gasping for breath. Once this happens, stop
exercising.
2. Swinging small children on a swing is a good form of exercise for them.
3. Make it a habit of waking up early in the morning. In fact, you should try
and offer the tahajjud salaat daily. In doing so, one remains very healthy.
4. Do not sleep unnecessarily in the afternoon. However, if you feel tired or
sleepy, there is no harm in this.
5. It is also necessary to engage in some sort of mental work. If one does
not take any work from one's brain, this causes an increase in moisture in
the brain and one becomes dim-witted. And the person who over taxes his
brain and is always in deep thought, causes dryness to his brain which leads
to weakness. It is therefore preferable to estimate the amount of work prior
to undertaking it. Be in the habit of reading and teaching. Recite the Quran
daily. Try and read some book or the other. Always think over matters. Do
not become so angry that you lose control over yourself. At the same time
do not be so tolerant that you are unable to maintain any discipline. Do not
become so happy to the extent that you feel that you are not in need of
Allah, or to the extent that you forget His power. If He wishes, He can
destroy all your happiness in a single moment. At the same time do not
become so sorrowful that you forget the mercy of Allah. If anything afflicts
you, turn your attention towards something else - occupy yourself in some
other task. All these things can cause sicknesses, if not death. If you have to
inform someone of something that would cause him extreme happiness and
this person happens to be weak-hearted, then do not inform him all at once.
First ask him as to how he would feel if a certain wish or task of his is
fulfilled. Thereafter inform him that you are trying to ensure that it is
fulfilled and there is hope of it being fulfilled. Thereafter inform him there
and then or after a few hours that his task has been fulfilled. In the same
way, do not give any sad news all at once. If you have to inform anyone of
the death of a certain person, commence by saying that so-and-so person
was ill, his condition was quite critical and death will approach everyone at
some time or the other and that he passed away through the decree of Allah.

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Note: When a woman is ill, or once life is given to the baby that is in her
womb, it is harmful for her to have relations with her husband.
Medical treatment and Tawakkul
Allah Ta'ala has created a cure for every sickness. It is through Him that the
medicine has an effect. If He wishes, the medicine will be beneficial. And if
He does not wish, the medicine will not help in any way. Thousands of
different medicines may be used but they will not help (if Allah does not
wish so). Therefore, one should not have this belief that a certain medicine
cures and another does not. It is Allah who cures. If He wishes you to be
cured immediately, He will place the cure in that medicine. If not, the
medicine will not help. We have been ordered to seek the cure. We do this
by placing full trust in Him. It is for this reason that we make dua to Him
alone. As for that person who has complete trust in Allah and does not seek
any medical treatment, no evil thoughts will enter his mind. He will express
gratitude to Allah all the time. It is permissible for such a person not to seek
any medical treatment. However, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam
had sought medical treatment and also showed us the benefits of certain
medicines. It is therefore preferable to seek medical treatment but at the
same time the person should exercise patience and express gratitude to
Allah. Furthermore, the person should have full conviction that Allah Ta'ala
loves us more than what our own mothers love us. Whatever He does is
solely for our benefit. When we are afflicted by any sickness, our sins are
wiped out. When we exercise patience, our stages are increased and
calamities are withheld from us. Whatever pride and arrogance that we may
have is decreased and we realize our dependence on Allah Ta'ala.
Previously, a person may have been very independent. When he falls ill, he
realizes his dependence on others for every little thing. When he was
healthy and strong he may have not valued his health. Once he falls ill, he
realizes the importance of health, appreciates it and later expresses his
gratitude. In short, illness is a source of mercy for us Muslims. In fact, it is
a great bounty from Allah Ta'ala. At the same time, it is a great test and trial
from Allah Ta'ala. We have to exercise patience, express our gratitude and
consider everything to be the decree of Allah. We should not express evil
words against Allah Ta'ala and whatever He has decreed. At times such
words could cause us to become devoid of Imaan. Just think, that here is the

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person who has borne so many difficulties (for which he would have been
rewarded) but has allowed all the rewards to be snatched away from him.
He has spent some money (on medication), but because of the evil words
that he has uttered, he lost his Imaan, lost the world, and lost his Deen. If,
Allah forbid, he does not repent and passes away in this state, he has lost
his entire life earnings of Imaan on account of a little suffering. May Allah
save us from this.
On the other hand, if we muster some courage and say to ourselves that if
Allah wishes this (sickness) for us, we are prepared to lose this life of ours
and we do not utter a single word. If death overtakes us in such a state,
what great rewards we will receive from that Being who gave us so much
without even asking. How much more He will reward us (on account of our
patience)! And if we recover from that sickness, we would regain our
health, maintain the rewards that we received (for exercising patience) and
also receive great stages (in jannah) - there will be no decrease in all these
rewards. At the same time, we will still have our Deen and dunya with us.
When we feel perplexed, why should we not make dua to Allah? He is the
one who will inspire the doctor to be attentive towards us. He is the one
who will cause the medicine to be effective. And if He wishes, He is the
one who can cure us without any medication whatsoever. In short, sickness
is a bounty from Allah. However, because there is a great test and trial in it,
and because there is the fear of one even losing one's Imaan on account of
it, it is not permissible to hope or to make dua for a sickness to afflict us.
Factors to be taken into consideration when seeking medical treatment
1. Medication should not be taken for trivial sicknesses. Such sicknesses
could be treated by changing one's diet, walking about, change in
environment, etc. For example, if you have a headache on account of being
in hot air, sit in a place where there is a cool breeze. If your stomach is
feeling heavy on account of eating, skip one or two meals. If your head is
paining on account of lack of sleep, then sleep. If you are feeling lazy on
account of excessive sleep, then sleep less. If you engaged in excessive
mental work and this resulted in dryness in your brain, reduce your work
load and give the brain a rest. When such measures do not help, opt for
medication.

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2. Do not be distraught irrespective of how serious the sickness may be. By
becoming distraught, the entire treatment is affected. Treatment should be
sought with great tranquillity and peace of mind.
3. Do not get into the habit of taking laxatives, vomiting, and in cupping the
blood. In other words, do not get into the habit of doing these things every
year without any real need to do so. If you are in the habit of taking
laxatives, try stopping this habit in the following way: when the time of
taking the laxatives approaches, reduce your food intake and engage in
more exercises. Take some medication that would loosen your stool slightly
(provided it is not a laxative). Even if you do not feel good during the days
when you normally take the laxatives, do not worry about it and delay in
taking the laxative. In this way, you will abandon this habit.
4. Do not take very strong medication without any real need to do so. The
disadvantage of such medicines is that if they are not suited to you, they
will cause great harm as well. Do not take haraam and impure medicines,
nor should you apply them to your body.
5. If you have to take a particular medicine over a period of time, then
occasionally try and skip taking it for one-two days. Alternatively, change
it for some other medicine. This is because once you get into the habit of
taking a particular medicine, it will no longer have any effect on you.
405
6. As long as a certain type of food is sufficient, do not opt for any
medication. 406
7. Be extremely cautious when taking any medicine. Ensure that you take it
exactly as it has been prescribed. Do not increase or decrease the dose on
your own.
8. If you purchase any medicine, show it to the doctor first. If he says that it
would be harmful for you, exchange it.
9. When it comes to medication for the heart, kidneys, brain, lungs, eyes,
and other delicate organs, do not use medicines that are very strong, that
have cold properties, which are assimilated very quickly, or which are
poisonous. However, if there is a dire need to use such medicines, there is
no alternative but to use them.
405
In medical terms, this is known as developing a tolerance for a medicine.
406
In our times, people are inclined to take multivitamins and other supplements when these
can be easily obtained from normal foods, meats, fruit, vegetables, etc. This is especially so with
our womenfolk when they fall pregnant or are breast-feeding.

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10. When seeking treatment, ensure that you go to a doctor"
who is
knowledgeable, experienced, makes a thorough examination, and does not
prescribe any medicine without pondering and thinking over the matter.
Furthermore, he does not rush into prescribing laxatives. Do not be deluded
into going to a particular doctor merely because he is very famous. 408
11. When ill, consider prevention (or abstinence) to be better than
medication. However, if you are absolutely healthy, do not be abstinent. Eat
whatever you wish in accordance with the season. However, do not eat
more than you can. If your stomach feels "heavy", skip a few meals.
12. Seeking medical treatment is necessary for every sickness. However,
there are certain sicknesses which need special care. This is specifically so
with children. Such sicknesses are: colds, coughs, pain in the eyes, pleurisy,
indigestion, diarrhoea, colic pains, hernia, a lack or increase of
menstruation, a fever that is continuous or which is experienced after a
meal, being bitten by an animal or human, consuming a poisonous
substance, palpitation of the heart, dizziness, palpitation of the body in
different places, paralysis or numbness of the entire body, feeling extremely
hungry very often, not feeling any hunger at all, feeling very sleepy very
often, insomnia, perspiring profusely, not perspiring at all, or the
occurrence of any other thing which is contrary to one's normal life. When
this happens, the person should immediately understand that some sickness
or the other is approaching. He should therefore go to the doctor and seek
the necessary treatment. He should not allow any disorder in his diet.
13. When getting your pulse checked, ensure that your stomach is not too
full nor too empty. When the stomach is empty, one feels restless (thereby
causing a change in the pulse rate). Furthermore, one should not be very
sad nor very happy. One should not check one's pulse immediately after
waking up from one's sleep, after being awake for a very long period, after
engaging in physical work or after having walked a long distance. Have
your pulse checked while being in any of the following postures: in the
squatting position, while lying down, sitting on a stool, or sitting on the
407
A good doctor will be one who thoroughly understands your temperament. You should also
inform the doctor of your temperament, of the things which benefit you and those which generally
harm you. In doing this, he will be able to understand you better and help you accordingly. It is
preferable for the doctor and patient to be living in one place (i.e. in the same locality. town, etc.)
so that if any problems arise, the patient can seek his assistance immediately.
408
If a doctor is very famous, you should first try and check whether many sick people go to
him or not. Secondly, check whether the benefit is greater or the harms caused by him are greater.