for both males and females, and he set no fixed age for it; still, it must precede puberty. Once the child’s first teeth have appeared it is good to see to the matter, and no boy should be allowed to reach the age of ten without being circumcised.

Shaving the pubic hair, according to Mālik, has no prescribed interval, though some scholars limit the gap to no more than 40 days on the basis of a report they transmit. The same applies to plucking or shaving the armpits, trimming the moustache until the upper lip is exposed, and clipping the fingernails: no specific period has been fixed, but they should be tended to regularly. These are five traits of the innate disposition (fitra).

The other five are rinsing the mouth, drawing water into the nose, cleansing oneself after relieving oneself, letting the beard grow, and using the siwak, for it purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord; whoever manages to use it with every ablution has done something fine and beautiful.

Honoring one’s parents is a binding obligation, and it is easy for whomever Allah makes it easy. Such honor is shown by lowering the wing in humility, speaking gently, looking at them only with eyes of love and reverence, never raising one’s voice above theirs—except to make oneself heard—placing one’s blessings at their disposal, not preferring oneself over them in food or drink, not walking ahead of one’s father, and not speaking before him in a gathering on matters he is more entitled to address. One must exert every effort to avoid their displeasure.