and spreading the greeting of peace, that is, announcing and making it plain to everyone. In so doing one carries out the Sunnah, offers a prayer for fellow Muslims, and fosters mutual affection. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Shall I not direct you to something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread the greeting of peace among yourselves.”

As for the practices the ḥadith forbids: men wearing gold rings, because such adornment smacks of effeminacy and softness and undermines the ruggedness that befits manhood; drinking from silver vessels, for that involves extravagance and vanity—if even drinking, despite one’s need for it, is prohibited, then all other uses of such vessels are even more deserving of prohibition; and, for men, the use of saddle-cloths made of silk, qassī garments, silk in general, dībāj, istabraq, and every other type of silk. These things invite softness and luxury, which breed idleness and lethargy, whereas a man is expected to be energetic, resilient, and vigorous so that he is always ready to defend his religion, his honour, and his homeland.

Benefits derived from the ḥadith

1. Visiting the sick is recommended, and becomes obligatory when filial duty—such as toward one’s parents—demands it, or when neglecting the visit would lead to harm.

2. Following a funeral for the prayer and burial is recommended. The burial itself is a collective obligation: if a sufficient number perform it, the duty is lifted from the rest; if no one does so, every person who knew and was able yet failed to act is sinful. Whoever accompanies the procession until the prayer is offered earns one qīrāṭ of reward, and whoever remains until burial earns two qīrāṭs.

3. Saying tashmīt to a sneezer who praises Allah, by replying, “May Allah have mercy on you.” This reply is obligatory for up to three sneezes; after the third one prays for his recovery instead.

4. Honouring the oath of someone who swears, for this comforts him and fulfils his request so long as no sin is involved.

5. The obligation to aid the oppressed to the extent of one’s ability, for this is part of forbidding evil; it repels wrongdoing, helps the victim, and restrains the aggressor.

6. Accepting invitations: if the invitation is to a wedding feast, attendance is obligatory provided no reprehensible act is present that one cannot remove; if it is to any other permissible gathering, attendance is recommended, and the recommendation is stronger when it removes resentment or averts harm.

7. Spreading the greeting of peace among Muslims, for it is a prayer for safety and a mark of love and brotherhood.

8. The prohibition of men wearing gold rings—this is unlawful, and regretfully many overly soft youths have fallen into it.