ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Numeric Classification of Traditions Oncharacteristics Part 27-on Four-hundred-numbered Characteristics IN ONE MEETING, IMAM ALI TAUGHT FOUR-HUNDRED THINGS EACH OF WHICH IS VERY USEFUL FOR A MUSLIM’S LIFE AND RELIGION 27-1 (The compiler of the book said) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’ed ibn Abdullah quoted Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Ubayd al-Yaqtayni, on the authority of Al-Qasim ibn Yahya, on the authority of his grandfather Al-Hassan ibn Rashid, on the authority of Abi Basir and Muhammad ibn Muslim, on the authority of Aba Abdullah as-Sadiq (MGB), on the authority of his father (MGB), on the authority of his grandfather (MGB), on the authority of his forefathers (MGB) that in an assembly the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (MGB) taught his companions four-hundred things each of which is very useful for a Muslim’s life and religion.

What he (MGB) taught is as follows. Blood-letting** [1170] ** improves physical health and strengthens the intellect. Putting perfume on the moustache is one of the traditions of the Prophet (MGB) and of the Honorable Recorders (Kiraman Katibin) [1171] . Brushing the teeth is one of the things that pleases the Honorable the Exalted God. It is also one of the traditions of God’s Prophet (MGB). It cleans the mouth.

Soap makes the cuticle soft, increases intelligence, facilitates the flow of water in the body, takes away dryness of the skin and improves the color of the face. Washing the head takes away dirtiness and cleans dust and rubbish. Gargling with water and pulling water up into the nose is a tradition. It cleans both the mouth and the nose. Drawing snuff** [1172] ** into the nose clears up the head, cleans the body and alleviates any headaches.

Applying depilatory cream or powder** [1173] ** brings happiness and cleans the body. Keeping the shoes in proper order helps maintain the body and helps with cleanliness and prayer. Cutting the nails prevents major ailments, increases one’s sustenance and expedites the arrival of one’s share of daily bread. Shaving the underarm fights bad odor. It is a part of cleanliness and a custom which the clean Prophet (MGB) has ordered.