This lucid statement is a proof against the baseless...

This lucid statement is a proof against the baseless expressions of those who claim it to be polytheism and an innovation in religion if one carries along a piece of the turbah clay. Also, it discloses the fact that the vanguard in [1] Sunan al-Bayhaqi, vol. 1 p. 439. The Book of al-Salat, the chapter on 'What has been narrated concerning how to perform the prayers quickly when the weather is warm.' [2] Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 6, p.79, printed in Beirut on the biography of Masruq ibn al-`Ajwa'.

the history of Islam themselves used to do the same.[1] For example, Nafi` says, `Abdullah ibn `Umar used to take his turban off to bare his…