—the People of the Left in both this world and the Hereafter; we seek Allah’s protection from that. Therefore, in all such affairs start with the right, as well as in anything else that carries a sense of honor, for every act done to show respect is begun with the right: the right side is nobler and more virtuous, whereas the left is the opposite.

The author then lists matters in which the left is to be given precedence, such as blowing the nose and spitting, for these are done with the left hand. “Blowing the nose” (al-imtikhāṭ) means that when a person inhales water and expels what is in his nose, he uses the left hand; likewise, if he wants to wipe away mucus, he does so with the left hand.

In the same vein, when entering the lavatory he steps in with the left foot, while on exiting—as noted earlier—he steps out with the right. When leaving the mosque he likewise leads with the left foot. Similarly, if he intends to remove his sandals, leather socks, garment, or trousers, he begins with the left side, whereas when putting them on he starts with the right.

So too, istinjāʾ (cleansing oneself after relieving oneself) is performed with the left hand, and the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—prohibited