may it return from where it came and harm no one. O Allah, lift the distress, Lord of mankind.’ He then said: ‘Recite this incantation over a piece of turmeric seven times, place it in a clean spot, rub it on a stone, and then smear it on the namlah.’

Al-Ḥākim remained silent regarding the report. Al-Dhahabī said: ‘Ibn Maʿīn was asked about ʿUthmān and did not recognize him’—meaning ʿUthmān ibn ʿUmar. Ibn ʿAdī remarked, ‘He is unknown.’

I say: Although this route and the one before it are weak, they are still acceptable as supporting evidence.

Glossary of unfamiliar terms

1. (namlah) Here it refers to sores that appear on a person’s side.
2. (ruqyah of namlah) Al-Shawkānī explained:
   ‘It is a formula the Arab women used to recite, and anyone who hears it realises that it is wording that neither harms nor benefits. The ruqyah of namlah known among them was to say to the bride: “Beautify yourself, apply henna, use kohl, and do all the customary adornments—only do not disobey your husband.”’

So he claimed, but I do not know what evidence he relied upon—especially since he built upon it his forthcoming comment on the Prophet’s words ﷺ, ‘Will you not teach her this…’: ‘By that statement the Prophet ﷺ intended, by way of insinuation, to reprimand and discipline Ḥafṣah, for he had confided a secret to her and she disclosed it, as the revelation attests: “When the Prophet confided a matter to one of his wives…” (Q 66:3).’