In this chapter there is also the hadith of ʿAmr ibn ʿAbasah—cited earlier at the end of the Chapter on Hope—which is a momentous narration containing many expressions of goodness.

1032 – ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet said, “If anyone among you performs ablution, completing or perfecting it, and then says, ‘I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger,’ the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him and he may enter through whichever of them he wishes.” Reported by Muslim. Al-Tirmidhi adds: “O Allah, make me among those who constantly repent and make me among those who purify themselves.”

[Explanation] These hadiths clarify the virtue of ablution, and a narration on this topic has already preceded. We have also discussed the visitation of graves mentioned by the author, noting its great benefit in reminding a person of death and the Hereafter. One should be aware, however, that visiting graves is not permissible for women; a woman is not allowed to visit the cemetery, for the Prophet cursed female visitors to graves, those who build mosques over them, and those who place lamps upon them. Moreover, a woman is physically and emotionally more vulnerable and may not endure the sight, which could lead her to wail, cry, or strike herself. Additionally, the cemeteries are often