Exalted be He⦗1⦘.

He also cursed men who imitate women.

Among his sayings is: “Make use of the sun, for it is the bathhouse of the Arabs.” The Arabs had no knowledge of bathhouses, nor were any found in their lands; instead they used the sun as a substitute, for it warms and loosens the body just as a bathhouse does.

He further said: “Adopt the manners of Maʿadd.” In other words, cling to Maʿaddīyah—the customary way of Maʿadd b. ʿAdnān in his character, dress, horsemanship, and conduct⦗2⦘.

And he said: “Toughen yourselves,” meaning: engage in practices that produce roughness, fortify the body, and accustom it⦗3⦘ to heat, cold, fatigue, and hardship. A man may one day have to rely upon himself; then he will discover within himself a resilience, strength, and patience unknown to the pampered and self-indulgent, whose ruin comes all the faster.

He also said: “Prepare yourselves (wakhlawliqu).” The verb derives from the expression, “the clouds akhlawlaqat after dispersing,” that is, they re-gathered and made ready to pour down rain, becoming fit for it. Thus, akhlawliqū means: ready yourselves⦗4⦘ for what is demanded of you; become fit for it, worthy of performing it, and not