like going forth to seek knowledge. He should set out in a state of ablution, remembering Allah, intent upon a meadow from the meadows of Paradise, carrying himself with calm and dignity. Once he reaches the range he enters with courtesy, offers greetings, and lays down his weapons. It is praiseworthy for him to perform two rakʿahs—not as a greeting of the spot (1) but as a key to success and accuracy, for when affairs open with prayer they are more likely to prosper. He then supplicates, asking Allah for success and sound judgment, for it is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “O ʿAlī, ask Allah for guidance and sound judgment. By guidance seek that He direct your path, and by sound judgment that He straighten your arrow.” (2)

Next he brings out his bow and inspects it, and then examines his arrows, running them across his thumb to decide which should be used. When he settles on a rashq (a set of arrows)—the recommended number—he wipes them down and sets them aside. He then strings his bow, checks the string, and looks at the siyyah (3) of the bow and its weak points. If everything is even, he shoots with that bow; but if he notices any irregularity (4) he refrains from using it.

When his companion shoots, he should neither rebuke him for a miss nor laugh at him, for such behavior (5) is the habit of the base, and seldom does one who acts that way succeed. Whoever reproaches will be reproached, and whoever laughs at people will be laughed at (6). Likewise, whoever taunts his brother for some deed will inevitably be tried by it himself. He must not envy his companion’s accuracy, nor belittle it in his heart,