is beguiled by their praise of him, while the truly ignorant is the one who believes them despite knowing the reality of his own soul.

Among the comprehensive etiquettes required of seekers of knowledge is to spread the greeting of peace: to everyone you meet, upon everyone you visit, and to all whom you pass by. No one should enter even his own house until he has offered the greeting of peace to his family and all who are inside; if the house is empty he should say, al-salāmu ʿalaynā wa ʿalā ʿibād Allāh al-ṣāliḥīn (peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah).

The rider greets the pedestrian, the one standing greets the one seated, and the smaller company greets the larger. If a single man from a group offers the greeting, it suffices for all of them. One must not initiate the greeting of peace with a dhimmī, nor should one deliberately seek them out for congratulation or condolence; but if they greet you first, answer with “And upon you.” The greeting may be concluded with the words “…and His blessings.”

There is no harm in an elderly woman greeting men and in their returning her greeting, but a young woman should neither greet men nor be greeted by them.

A man ought to ask permission before entering upon his mother and his other female relatives. In fact, he should seek permission from everyone save his wife and his female slave. Anyone—man or woman—whom it is improper to see naked must be asked for leave before one enters.

Permission is requested three times. On each occasion say, al-salāmu ʿalaykum (peace be upon you); “May I come in?” If permission is granted, enter; if not, turn back and do not ask again.