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Encyclopedia of Religion entry for

Fitrah

Lit. "Nature." Certain ancient practices of the prophets before the time of Muhammad which have not been forbidden by him.

‘Ayishah relates that the Prophet said: There are ten qualities of the prophets - clipping the mustachios so that they do not enter the mouth, not cutting or shaving the beard. Cleansing the teeth (i.e. miswak), cleansing the nostrils with water at the usual ablutions, cutting the nails, cleaning the finger joints, pulling out the hairs under the arm pits, shaving the hair of the privates, washing with water after passing urine, and cleansing the mouth with water at the time of ablution." (See Sahih Muslim.)

The nose is to be washed out with water because it is supposed that the devil resides in the nose during the night. (See Mishkat.)

There is a chapter in the Avesta of the Parsees, containing injunctions as to the paring of the nails of the hands and feet.

citations: Dictionary of Islam, Hughes

article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12

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