1. Well-Spaced House

A good tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) states that one of the things, which shows a man as fortunate, is his open and palatial house.

According to a reliable tradition, Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) purchased a house and asked one of his friends to move into that house as the friend’s house was small and not enough for him. The friend told the Imam that he could not move into the new house, as the house he lived in, was built by his father. The Imam answered that it was not necessary for his friend to stick to the mistake his father had committed.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) there are three things, which are a source of satisfaction and comfort for a believer. (1) the house should be open (i.e. airy); it should also be hidden or sheltered to the extent that its faults and secrets are not open to the public eye; (2) a pious wife, who is his helper in the affairs of this world and the next (3) that sister or daughter, who leaves the house, only after getting married or at her death.

It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that the pleasure of life lies in the big size of the house and in excess of servants.

He said in another tradition that the pleasure of life lies in the big size of the house and in excess of friends.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that the small size of the house is also a misfortune of life.

In another tradition, it is mentioned that a man from emigrants (Ansar) complained to the Holy Prophet (S) about the small size of his house. The Prophet said: You should supplicate in excess to Almighty Allah for a large house and He will bestow you.

In another tradition, he has stated the following things, which are signs of good fortune for man: (1) his son resembles him (2) he should have a beautiful, but pious wife (3) he should have a vehicle (4) his house should be spacious.

In another tradition, he has stated that the following things are inauspicious in a house: (1) small courtyard (2) bad neighbours (3) many defects in the house.

In a tradition, he has also stated that following things are regarded as signs of good fortune: (1) good wife (2) spacious house (3) good neighbours (4) nice vehicle. And four things are signs of misfortune: (1) bad wife (2) small house (3) unsuitable neighbour (4) unruly mount.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) has stated that two things are the curse of life - changing house often, and buying bread from outside.

2. Reproof Of Making A House Tall And Having Many Extra Provisions

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), God infuses the desire of making a multi-storied house in that person, who earns by illegal ways, that his money may be wasted in mud and water.

In another tradition, he has stated that a building, which will be more grand than necessary, will be a source of burden for its owner on Judgment Day.

He said in another tradition that if a person makes a house for himself more than what he needs, it will be pushed on its owner on Judgment Day.

According to Imam Ali An-Naqi (‘a), God has named a few places on the earth as sacred and He desires that His name should be mentioned there and people should pray to Him so that He may accept their prayers.

In the same manner, He has reserved certain places of land as places of fury, on which He makes those people live, who earn by illegal and prohibited ways, and waste their money.

It is mentioned in another tradition that Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) passed by the door of a person, whose house was constructed of solid bricks. Imam (‘a) asked: Whose house is this? Someone said: Of so and so heedless arrogant man. After that he passed by another house. It was also made of solid bricks. He remarked: It seems to be the house of another heedless arrogant man.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), a person, who constructs a building for fame and name, will find that on Judgment Day, his building is dug into the seventh layer of earth and tied around his neck, after which he will be thrown into hell. Nothing of Hell will form an obstruction to prevent him from entering it. But if he seeks remission, he will be saved.

When people asked the Holy Prophet (S) to explain “fame and name”, the Holy Prophet (S) replied that it applies to those, who build a house more than required, or so high that it becomes a source of trouble to their neighbours and build it in front to show-off.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that God has kept an angel for all the buildings. When the roof of any building exceeds eight hands, the angel says, “O wicked man, how far will you go”. In another tradition, instead of ‘O wicked man’ it is mentioned ‘O most wicked man’.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in another tradition that Jinns and Satans inhabit the house having a roof higher than eight hands.

According to another tradition, a person complained to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the Jinns harass his children. The Imam asked him how high was the roof of his house. He replied that it was ten hands. The Imam asked him to measure eight hands and write Ayat ul-Kursi between the eighth and tenth hands on all the four sides. Jinns come to those houses, which are above eight hands in height.

In another tradition, it is stated that if the height of the house is more than eight hands, Ayat ul-Kursi should be written on the walls where the measurement exceeds eight hands.

It is mentioned in another tradition that a person said to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that Jinns have expelled them from their house. Imam (‘a) said: You should limit the height of your roof to seven yards and keep pigeons around the house. The narrator says that when we did that, we were never troubled again.

In a reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that you should make the roof of your house seven yards high, because if you make it higher, it will be occupied by Satan, because he neither lives in the heavens nor the earth; he lives in space.

In another reliable tradition from Abu Khuzaimah, it is stated that he saw Ayat ul-Kursi written over the door of Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) and also facing Qibla, where the Imam’s prayer mat was spread.

3. Prohibition Of Drawing, Sketching And Building Three Dimensional Images Of Living Things

It is famous among scholars that building of an idol, which casts its shadow is strictly prohibited. Making pictures on walls and cloth is supposed to be detestable (Makruh) and is held prohibited by some.

One should be careful that no gilt-edging is done in the house and no pictures should be made, even that of a tree and especially of a full and perfect human form. If such a type of picture exists, it should be destroyed i.e. rubbed off or one of the parts of the body should be struck off, like the eye or the hand.

A reliable tradition quoted from the Holy Prophet (S) says that angel Jibra’il said: O Muhammad, Almighty Allah send His greetings to you and prohibits you to make idols and draw pictures.

In a reliable tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) angel Jibra’il said that angels do not enter that house, which has a dog or an idol or that (unclean) utensil in which people urinate.

In another reliable tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) it is stated that a person, who makes idols will be asked to give life to those idols on Judgment Day. And when he will be unable to do that, he will be punished.

A trusted tradition states that some people asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) his opinion about pictures carved on floors or printed on household linen used for spreading on the floor. He said: It does not matter if they are inside the house and they are trodden upon.

In a good tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that it does not matter as long as the faces of the forms were mutilated.

An authentic tradition from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) states that one should not pray in that house, which has pictures hung in front. In case of no alternative, one should either cut the photo or turn it on the wrong side and then only one should pray.

In some reliable traditions, it is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that the Messenger of Allah (S) sent me to Medina to convey the command that all idols and pictures should be destroyed and to level all the high graves and to eliminate all the dogs.

In two more traditions, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that no building should be constructed over the grave and no picture should be sketched on the roof of a house, because the Messenger of Allah (S) considered both these acts extremely detestable.

In another tradition, people asked him about making pictures of trees, sun, moon etc. He said it did not matter if we drew pictures of lifeless objects.

4. Etiquette Of The Floor And Bed-Making

According to Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a), there are three sources of beautification: (1) a four-footed animal with elegant gait (2) a well-behaved slave (3) a beautiful carpet.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) has stated that a man needs a bed for himself, his wife and his guest; and more than that is the property of Shaitan.

It is narrated in another tradition that Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) had some beds and carpets with different kinds of pictures and he was using them.

It is mentioned in another tradition that some people came to that Imam and seeing luxurious beds and carpets, remarked: We observe in your place things, which we do not like. Imam (‘a) said: When we marry, we give the dower of women; they may purchase whatever they like from those funds; this is not our property.

It is narrated in another tradition that a person came to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) and found that he was present in a well-furnished house having nice carpets. When he went the next day, he found nothing, other than a sack and he was also dressed in coarse garments. Imam (‘a): What you saw yesterday was the house of my wife and it was her turn.

It is mentioned in an authentic tradition that a person said to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that a person uses a carpet on which pictures are woven. He said: Other communities regard such a carpet valuable, but we absolutely dislike it.

In another authentic tradition, it is narrated that people inquired from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) if it was allowed to use brocade and muslin carpets for sitting, sleeping and praying. He said: You can use it for sitting and sleeping, but don’t prostrate on them.

In a reliable tradition, it is stated that Imam Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) used to sit on dried grass mat during summers and on a blanket in winters. He wore rough clothes at home and when he went outs, he wore better clothes and made himself presentable to people.

It is mentioned in a reliable tradition that when Imam Ali (‘a) married Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra’ (‘a), he possessed only a cloak to cover himself, a bedding of goat skin and pillow of the same skin filled with date-tree peelings.

In another tradition, it is stated that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) used to pray at those places, where the floor was covered with painted pictures of birds. He used to spread a cloth over these pictures while praying. The Imam had received many linen sheets from Syria as gifts, on which were printed pictures of birds, but he had rubbed, changed the heads of the birds into the form of trees.

In another tradition, it is stated that people said that at times they used to have carpets with pictures woven in them. Imam (‘a) said: What is used as a carpet and is for ordinary use - that is the pictures should be stepped on - there is no problem in it.

5. Etiquette Of Praying At Home

According to a reliable tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), Imam Ali (‘a) had reserved a small room for himself in his house. There was only Qur’an and a sword there, nothing else; and he used to pray there.

According to another trusted tradition, Imam Ali (‘a) had reserved a room in his house for prayer, which was neither big nor small. At night, he used to take his prayer mat and pray over there.

According to another tradition Imam Ali (‘a) wrote to Mussama that he would like him to reserve a place of prayer in his house where he should go in coarse and old clothes and ask God to free him from the fire of hell and admit him into heaven; not to pray anything against Islam law and against anyone.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that you should brighten your house by reciting Qur’an instead of turning it into a grave like Jews and Christians pray in churches and synagogues, but never in their homes. That home improves its condition where Holy Qur’an is recited much and the people of that house feel more comfort, and the inhabitants of the sky receive light from this house as the people on earth receive light from the stars.

In a good tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that a house, where someone recites the Holy Qur’an, folks of heavens point at that house just as folks of earth point out at stars.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that a house where the Holy Qur’an is recited or Allah is mentioned, the blessings of that house increases, angels reside in it and Satans flee from it and the light of that house reaches the folks of heavens just as light of the stars reaches the folks of earth. And where the Holy Qur’an is not recited or Allah is not mentioned, its blessings decrease, angels keep away from it and Satans are present there.

6. Keeping Animals, Especially Pigeons And Hens As Pets

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that you should keep many animals as pets, so that Satans may be engrossed with them and not harm your children.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that it is good to keep animals like pigeons, hens and goats in the house, so that the children of Jinns may play with them and keep away from your children.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated that a person complained to Messenger of Allah (S) about loneliness. He said: Keep a pair of pigeons as pets.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in an authentic tradition that pigeon is from the birds of prophets.

It is narrated in another good tradition that pigeons of the Holy Sanctuary are descendants of the pigeons, which Prophet Isma’il (‘a) had kept. Therefore, it is recommended to keep some pigeons in the house, after trimming their feathers, so that they become attached to the house.

He said in another tradition that the house, where pigeons are present, the inmates of that house will be secure from the harassment of Jinns, because children of Jinns also play in the house. They remain engrossed with the pigeons if they are present in the house and do not pay any heed children of humans.

He said in another tradition that you should keep pigeons in the house, because Nuh (‘a) was fond of them and he had blessed them and no bird is as attractive as a pigeon.

It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that the feather of pigeon, which falls off is the cause of the flight of Satans.

It is narrated from Dawood Ibn Farqad in another tradition that: I saw a Raabi pigeons in the house of Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), which cooed too much. Imam (‘a) asked: Do you know what he says? I replied: No. He said: He invokes curse on the killers of Imam Husayn (‘a). You should also keep such pigeons.

It is narrated from another reporter that that Imam was breaking bread into pieces for the pigeons, which he had in his house.

It is narrated from Abdul Karim in another tradition that I went to the house of the Imam and saw that there were three green pigeons. I remarked: They dirty the house. Imam (‘a) said: Keeping them in the house is recommended.

He said in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) had a pair of red pigeons.

He said in another tradition that a well was dug up during the time of Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a). People informed the Imam that Jinns threw stones in that well. Imam (‘a) arrived and standing at the edge of that well said: Refrain from this mischief or I will inhabit this place with pigeons. Then he said: Satans are driven away by the sound of the wings of pigeons.

It is narrated from Muhammad Ibn Karama that he went to meet Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) and found that a pair of pigeons was present in the house of the Imam. The male was green with white dots and the female was black. Imam (‘a) was crushing bread for them. Imam (‘a) remarked: They move in the night and they are my companions and when they flutter the wings at night, they drive away the Jinns and Satans.

In many traditions, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that in whichever direction a courier pigeon is sent, it travels to a distance of ninety miles and back with the help of its sense. To return from further than that does not depend on its sense, it depends on fate, and food and water.

It is mentioned in many other traditions that pigeons remember God much, they have affection to Ahl Al-Bayt (‘a) and they bless the people of the house.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the house, which has white cock with large feathers, that house and seven houses around it, will be safe from calamities. But fluttering of a dual-coloured cock is better than seven white cocks.

He said in another tradition that white cock is a friend of me and every believer.

It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that the cock possesses five traits of the prophets: (1) generosity (2) valor (3) to recognize the time of prayer (4) excess of copulation (5) magnanimity.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that the crowing of the cock is its prayer and its fluttering is genuflection and prostration.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that do not abuse the cock, as it wakes up people for prayer.

7. Domesticating Sheep And Goats

In a trusted tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the house owner, who keeps a sheep or ram in his house as pet, the Almighty Allah will bestow its sustenance and also increase the sustenance of all the inmates and poverty will move one stage away from the house. And if he keeps two sheep or rams, Almighty Allah will give sustenance to both of them. He will increase the sustenance of inmates of the house and their worries will be removed from them to a distance of two stages.

And if he keeps three sheep or rams, Almighty Allah will give sustenance to all three of them. He will increase the sustenance of all inmates of the house and remove their worries and poverty completely.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that the house, which has a milch sheep; every angel will tell the inmates of the house two times: May God bless you.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in another tradition that the believer, who has a milch goat in his house, everyday an angel blesses him and his children in the morning: May you remain pure and chaste, may God bless you and make you prosperous. And if there are two milch goats, two angels do the same.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S) said to his aunt: What prevents you from keeping divine increase (barakah) in your house?

She asked: O Messenger of Allah (S), what is divine increase (barakah). He replied: Milch goat or sheep. Then he said: A house, which has a milch goat, sheep or cow, it is the cause of divine increase (barakah) of that house.

He said in another tradition that the Almighty Allah has sent three things with divine increase (barakah): (1) water (2) fire (3) sheep and goats.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in a reliable tradition that the house in which there are thirty sheep and goats in the evening, till the following day, angels will guard that house.

He said in another tradition that you should rear sheep, goats and camels as well.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said that sheep and goats are very good property.

He said in another tradition that when you keep goats and sheep, you should make a nice enclosure for them and keep them clean and tidy.

8. Birds And Animals Allowed To Be Killed

It is mentioned in reliable tradition that a dove had made a nest in the house of Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a). One day, the Imam heard it cooing. He asked those present: Do you know what they are saying? No, they replied. He said: They are saying: Faqat tokum Faqat tokum (you will be destroyed). Then he said: Before it drives me off, I will drive it away. Then he instructed them to eliminate it.

It is mentioned in another tradition that one day, Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) came to the house of Isma’il, his son and found that a dove was placed in a cage and it was cooing. Imam (‘a) said: Son, why have you kept this dove as a pet? Do you not know that it is inauspicious and it curses the owner? Destroy it, before its inauspiciousness destroys you.

It is narrated in reliable tradition that one day a person with a dead swallow passed by Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a). The Imam arose and snatching the bird from him threw it away. Then he asked: Has any of your scholar or monk ordered you to kill this bird?

My father has narrated through his forefathers from my grandfather, the Messenger of Allah (S) that he prohibited killing six kinds of animals: (1) honeybee (2) ant (3) frog (4) Surad1 bird (5) hoopoe (6) swallow. The honeybee as it consumes pure food and stores pure food and it is that which is neither from the humans nor Jinns, but the Almighty Allah has sent revelation to it as the Holy Qur’an says:

وَأَوْحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى النَّحْلِ

“And your Lord revealed to the bee...” (16:68).

And the ant because there was a famine during the period of Prophet Sulaiman (‘a) and His Eminence had gone out with his companions. He noticed an ant supplicating to heavens: O Lord, we are from Your creatures; please bestow sustenance to us from Your hidden treasure and do not make us pay the price of the sins, which descendants of Adam have committed. Prophet Sulaiman (‘a) said: Let us return, the Almighty Allah will send rains as a result of the prayers of others.

And he prohibited killing the frog, because when Nimrod lighted a fire to bum Prophet Ibrahim (‘a), all the creatures of the earth had sought permission to douse that fire with water. The Almighty Allah did not permit anyone, except the frog. It bore such hardship that its two-third portion was burnt up, what remains now is one-third.

It is prohibited to kill hoopoe, because it informed Prophet Sulaiman (‘a) about the Kingdom of Bilquis.

Surad is a big-headed bird, which hunts birds. It is prohibited to kill it, because it guided Adam (‘a) for a whole month and brought him from Sarandeep to Jeddah.

It is prohibited to kill the swallow, because it circles the sky being aggrieved on the victimization of Ahl Al-Bayt (‘a) and its humming is recitation of Surah al-Hamd; have you not noticed that in the end it clearly says: Waladh dhaaaleen?2

It is narrated in authentic tradition that people inquired from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) regarding killing of ants. He said: As long as they do not trouble you, you should also not trouble them. Then they asked about killing of hoopoe He said: Do not harass it or slaughter it; it is a very nice bird.

It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) had prohibited killing five animals: (1) Surad3 (2) hoopoe (3) honeybee (4) ant (5) frog. And five animals are supposed to be killed: (1) crow (2) hornet (3) snake (4) scorpion (5) mad dog.

He said in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: One, who killed a snake, it is as if he slew a disbeliever.

It is narrated in a trusted tradition that people inquired from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) about killing of a snake. He said: the Messenger of Allah (S) said that one, who refrains from killing a snake thinking that it is unlawful, he does not belong to my Ummah. But if he leaves it thinking that it is an animal and it is of no harm to us, there is no problem in that.

It is narrated in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) prohibited burning of animals.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the Almighty Allah will punish a woman, because she had tied up a cat and it perished of thirst.

It is also mentioned in a tradition that there is no problem in eliminating ants, whether they trouble you or not.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in another tradition that you must accord respect to swallow, because as compared to other bird, it becomes more attached to human beings and when it chirps, it recites Surah al-Hamd.

It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) in a reliable tradition that on every wing of hoopoe it is written in Syriac:

آلُ مُحَمَّدٍ خَيْرُ البَرِيَّةِ

Translation: The descendants of Muhammad are the best of creation.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in reliable tradition that you should not eat hoopoe and neither should you abuse it or allow children to play with it, because it mentions God much and its chant is as follows:

لَعَنَ اللَّهُ مبغضي آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ

Translation: Curse of Allah be on the enemies of Aali Muhammad (‘a).

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) that hairs on the head of hoopoe appeared, because Prophet Sulaiman (‘a) passed his hand over it, as one day its male wanted to copulate with it, but she refused. The male said that he wanted issues, who may remember God. So the female agreed.

When it was time to lay the eggs, the male asked: Where will you lay the eggs. She said: I want to lay them away from the roads. The male said that it would be better to lay them near the road, because if someone notices us, he will think that we have come to pick grains. She did that and when it was time for the eggs to hatch, they saw Sulaiman (‘a) marching to them and birds were shading him.

The female said: See, Sulaiman has arrived with his army, now he will trample us and our young ones. The male said: Sulaiman (‘a) is kind and merciful; do you have something, which you have hidden for your children? She replied:

Yes, I have a locust, which I concealed from you; and have you also stored something for your children? He replied: Yes, I have hidden a date. She said: You take your date and I will take my locust, and we will present them to Prophet Sulaiman (‘a) and mention our request. He is very fond of gifts. So, the male took the date in its beak and the female took the locust in its claw and they came to Sulaiman (‘a).

He was seated on his throne. When he saw them approach, he spread out his hands. The male sat on his right hand and the female perched on his left. The Prophet asked about their condition and they reported their problem. Sulaiman accepted their gifts and instructed his army to turn away from their nest. After that he passed his hand over their head, due to which they got hair.

It is mentioned in many reliable traditions you should not capture young ones of birds from the nest. On the contrary, you should leave them till they are able to fly. And hunting or trapping at night is not advisable, because at night, they are in refuge.

It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) in an authentic tradition that there is no problem in capturing birds at night, but scholars have said that hunting birds at night and taking away their young ones is detestable. In the same way, killing other animals at night is also detestable.

It is mentioned in another tradition that people were praising the peacock in the presence of Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a). Imam (‘a) said: The elegance of no animal is as much as the elegance of white cock and it is more melodious and luckier as well. It makes people aware of prayer times, while the peacock curses itself due to the sin it committed and because of which it was transmogrified.

In another tradition, it is mentioned that when Tawus Yamani came to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), the Imam asked: Are you Tawus Yamani? He replied: Yes, O son of Allah’s Messenger (S). He said: Peacock (Tawus) is inauspicious. It makes the crowd worry wherever it enters.

It is mentioned in another tradition that Saalim met the Imam and heard a large number of birds chirping. Imam (‘a) asked: Do you know what they are saying? He replied: No. He said: They are saying: O Allah, we are also from Your creatures and we cannot survive without Your sustenance, please provide us with food and water.

It is narrated in another tradition that Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) said at such occasion that they are remembering their God and asking Him for their sustenance.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that the owl initially lived in houses and it joined the dining table at dinner and it ate whatever it was given. When enemies martyred Imam Husayn (‘a), it abandoned inhabited places and started living in ruins, mountains and jungles; and remarked: You are a very evil community that you slain the son of your Prophet. I am afraid that you might slay me as well.

In many traditions, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that since Imam Husayn (‘a) was martyred, the owl only emerges during the night. From that day it has sworn that it will not live in habited places and it fasts all day long and remains depressed. At night, it breaks its fast and till the morning, laments for Imam Husayn (‘a).

In another tradition, it is narrated from the same Imam that if the housefly did not sit on food, every person would have been afflicted with leprosy.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that when a housefly drops in any food or water utensil, you should remove it after dipping it, because there is poison in one of its wing and cure in another and it always dips the poisonous wing in food and water. You should dip its other wing as well.

9. Prohibition Of Keeping A Dog In The House

In a good tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the presence of a dog in the house of a Muslim is detestable.

It is narrated from the same Imam in another tradition that one, who keeps a dog in house, from his deeds a portion is reduced every day.

A reliable tradition from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) states that there is no advantage of keeping any dog, except the one used in hunting and one, which safeguards the herd.

According to two trusted traditions from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), one can keep the hunting dog in the house, but it should have a separate room, quite far away from oneself. At least there should be a door between the dog and you, which can be closed.

In another tradition, it is stated that the Holy Prophet (S) allowed keeping of dogs in the homes of those who live far away from the population.

In another trusted tradition, it is mentioned that the dogs, which are completely black, are in fact Jinns.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that dogs are weak Jinns. When you sit to eat and a dog is present, either you give it some food or remove it from there, because they have evil selves.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that dogs, which completely black, white or red, are from Jinns; and the piebald dogs are transmogrified from Jinns and humans.

In an authentic tradition, it is narrated from Abu Hamza that I was in the company of Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) between Mecca and Medina. All of a sudden, the Imam turned to his left and saw a black dog and said to it: Curse on you, why are you moving so fast?

I saw that it changed into a bird and flew away. I asked: O son of Allah’s Messenger (S), what was that? He replied: It was Atham, the messenger of Jinns. Hisham has died at this moment and he goes to every town with that news.

In another tradition, it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S) permitted people, who live far away from habited areas, to keep dogs.

A reliable tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) states that one should not go for hunting often and whenever one hears a dog or an ass, one should seek refuge of God from the mischief of the accursed Satan for these animals can see things, which human cannot.

In a trusted tradition, it is mentioned that it is not allowed to make animals fight, but it is allowed to use a dog for hunting other animals.

It is mentioned in many reliable traditions that if an animal is caught by a trained dog and you reach at the time when the animal is still alive, you should cut its throat (zibha) and even if the animal is dead, it is allowed (halal) provided you had said Bismil-Lah when the dog was let loose on the smell.

But if the animal is caught by an untrained dog, it is only permissible when you reach before it is dead and you cut its throat; but if the animal is dead by the time you reach, then it is not permissible.

If you have struck an arrow from the bow or just an arrow in the body of an animal, then it is only permissible if you reach before it is dead and cut it; but it is not permissible if it dies before you reach. And if the animal is dead, but you had said Bismil-Lah before letting off the arrow, it is permissible; otherwise, it is not.

The same order applies to hunting with sword, spear or iron instruments of hunting. If one has hunted with stone, gun or pitlet-bow, which has no iron in it and can just wound the animal, then if you reach before the animal is dead, you can cut its throat and make it permissible; but if the animal is dead on account of the wound, before you can reach, it is unlawful.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that you must eat the animal, which is hunted by a black dog, because the Holy Prophet (S) ordered such animals to be eliminated and scholars have regarded its prey as detestable.

In the same way, it is not allowed to eat the hunted animal, killed by a dog trained by a Jew, a Christian or Majus. Scholars regard its prey also as detestable. In the same way, they have also prohibited fishing on Fridays before the Friday Prayer and there is condition that it should be removed from the water alive and it should die outside. If it dies in water, it is unlawful.

And it is necessary that a Muslim should take it out. If a disbeliever takes it out and a Muslim takes it and it dies on the hand of the Muslim, it is lawful. In the same way, if a fish comes ashore by its own and a Muslim catches it alive, it is lawful. And if it was seen alive and it died before one took it in his hand, there is difference of opinion in it, and precaution advises avoiding it.

Locust is also hunted in the same way; that a Muslim should catch it with his hand or with a hunting tool. And the locust without wings is not lawful.

We should know that to regard hunting as pastime is not allowed. And if a journey is undertaken for such a hunt, one should pray in full and keep fast as well. But if it was to get food or to earn sustenance, it is allowed. In that case, the prayer and fast will be shortened (Qasr).

There is no scope for details about hunting in this book, and detailed books containing laws of hunting should be referred.

10. Lighting A Lamp, Purchasing A House And Occupying A New House

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in reliable tradition that you should put out the lamp at night, lest the mouse carries away the wick putting the house to fire.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that four things are completely wasted: one them being the lamp, which is lighted in moonlight.

In another tradition, it is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that five things are complete waste: (1) a lamp lighted in sun, its oil is wasted (2) rain, which falls on saline lands, the water is completely wasted (3) food, which you get for someone, who has already eaten (4) a beautiful woman, who is married to an impotent husband (5) a good turn towards a thankless person.

In another tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that lighting the lamp before sunset removes poverty and enhances income.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in another reliable tradition that it is detestable to enter a dark house; and a lamp should be lighted before entering.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when you light a lamp in your house, you should recite the following supplication:

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ لَنَا نُورًا نَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ وَلَا تَحْرِمْنَا نُورَكَ يَوْمَ نَلْقَاكَ وَاجْعَلْ لَنَا نُورًا إنَّكَ نُور لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Translation: O Allah, please appoint a light for us, in which we may walk among the people and do not deny us Your effulgence on the day we meet You and appoint for us a light as indeed You are an effulgence and there is no god, except You.

And when you put out the lamp, you should recite:

اللَّهُمَّ أَخْرِجْنَا مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ.

Translation: O Allah, take us out from darkness into light.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in reliable traditions that one, who buys a house should give a feast (Walima).

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that one, who builds a new house, it is fitting that he should slaughter a fat sheep and serve the mutton to poor; he should also recite the following supplication:

اللَّهُمَّ ادحِر عني مَرَدَةَ الجِنِّ وَالْإِنس وَالشَّيَاطِين وَبَارِكْ لِي فِي بِنَائِي

Translation: O Allah, keep away from me the rebellious Jinns, men and Satans and bless me in my domination.

The Almighty Allah will keep away from him the harm of rebellious Jinns, men and Satans and building that house would be auspicious for him.

11. Etiquette About The House

According to a reliable tradition from Imam Ali (‘a), a man should never stay for a night in the house, which has no curtains.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), the Almighty God take away His security from three types of persons. (1) One, who takes up residing in a dilapidated house (2) one, who offers prayer on a public road (3) one, who leaves his animal free, without appointing anyone to look after it.

In authentic tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that you sweep the ground in your houses and do not imitate Jews, who do not sweep their homes.

A reliable tradition from Imam Ali (‘a) states that one should not keep the day’s rubbish for the whole night, one should throw it in the day only, as the devil finds a place in it.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that sweeping and cleaning the house keeps poverty away.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), the devil resides in those places in one’s house, where the spider makes its web.

A trusted tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) states that you should keep utensils of water and food covered, for the devil does not uncover utensils and one should blow off the lamp before going to bed, so that a rat may not set the house on fire.

In a tradition, it is stated that on account of heat, the Holy Prophet (S) used to sleep out from Thursdays and when winter began, he started sleeping inside from a Friday.

According to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a), the Satan will overcome those, who urinate or excrete on a grave or in standing water, urinate standing, go to sleep without washing their hands and mouth after having food and go to sleep in an empty house. These are the situations, where Shaitan can easily get hold of a man and will not leave him until he goes out of his mind.

Once it so happened that when the Holy Prophet (S) was on his way to a holy war, he crossed a valley inhabited by Jinns. The Holy Prophet (S) ordered his companions to go through the valley in pairs; no one must pass the valley alone. A person disobeyed the orders and as soon as he entered the valley alone, he was seized by a fit of lupteria.

Other companions informed the Holy Prophet (S), who pressed the thumb of the unconscious man and recited:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اخْرُجْ خَبِيثُ. أَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ

Translation: O evil spirit, run away with the name of God, I am his Prophet.

...and the man suddenly stood up alright, cured of the fit.

In another tradition, the Holy Prophet (S) asked a person where he was staying. The person replied that in a certain house. The Holy Prophet (S) asked him not to stay alone or to live in another house as the devil dare not attack any man, except when he is alone in a house.

A reliable tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) states that one should not keep that cloth in the house, in which one brings the daily meat as it is the returning place of Shaitan; and one should not collect rubbish before the door, as it is the retreat of Shaitan; and when one enters one’s room, one should say Bismil-Lah as Shaitan runs away and when entering one’s room, one should say the Salaam as it increases the fortune of the house and angels get attached to it.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that rubbish should not be kept in the house at night as Satan perches on rubbish only.

It is narrated from Imam Ali (‘a) that one should not keep cobwebs in the house as they cause poverty and anxiety.

A tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) states that keeping one’s utensils clean and washed and one’s house well-swept and neat, increases one’s earnings.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that allowing cobwebs and rubbish to accumulate in the house increases poverty.

According to the Holy Prophet (S) that handkerchief or towel, which is filled with fat and food by constantly cleaning hands after meals with it, should not be kept in the house, for it is the residing place of the devil.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), one should not keep utensils uncovered as Shaitan spits in them and takes out as much as he likes from the contents.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), one should look after one’s wife, children, friends and pet animals when the sun sets, for that is the time when the Shaitan can overcome them.

A reliable tradition states that the Holy Prophet (S) prohibited peeping in a neighbour’s house.

In another tradition, the Holy Prophet (S) states that God does not like the Holy Prophet (S) to have six habits which the Holy Prophet (S) in turn does not like the Imams and Shias to possess. They are: (1) playing with one’s beard or clothes during prayer; (2) talking vulgar while fasting; (3) making someone realize that you gave charity to him as an obligation; (4) visiting mosques when unclean; (5) laughing in a graveyard (6) peeping in houses of others.

It is narrated in an authentic tradition that one day the Messenger of Allah (S) was present in the room of one of his wives when a person peeped through a hole in the door. The Prophet said: If I were near, I would have pierced your eye.

12. Etiquette Of Entering And Leaving The House

According to the Holy Prophet (S), after sleeping for the first part of night, one should not go out as there are certain creatures of God, which are spread over the earth at this time carrying out their orders.

A reliable tradition from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) states that when a person leaves the house, he should say:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ آمَنْتُ بِاللَّهِ وَتَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ

Translation: I begin with the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful, I have brought faith on Allah and rely on Allah whatever His Will may be. Except Allah, no one possesses any strength or might.

Reciting this makes the angles slap the devil and keep him away from you.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), when a person says:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ

Translation: In the name of Allah.

...when coming out of the house, the angel retorts that he should live well. And when the man says after it:

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ

Translation: There is no god, except Allah.

...the angle replies that all his tasks will be accomplished; and when the man says:

تَوَكَّلتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ

Translation: I rely on Allah.

...the angle retorts that he will be safe from anxieties and troubles.

Imam Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) states that when his father left his house, he used to recite the following supplication:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ خَرَجْتُ بِحَوْلِ اللَّهِ وَقُوَّتِهِ لَا بِحَوْلِي وَقُوَّتِي بَلْ بِحَوْلِكَ وَقُوَّتِكَ يَا رَبِّ متعرِّضا لرزقك فائتني بِهِ فِي عَافِيَةٍ.

Translation: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. I have come out by the strength and might of Allah; not by my strength and might. Oh Allah, only by your strength and might 1 have started in search of daily bread, which You give me with comfort.

A reliable tradition from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) states that when a person enters his house, he should offer salutations and if his family is not present, he should say:

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا مِنْ رَبِّنَا

Translation: May there be peace on us from our God.

When he is inside the house, he should recite Surah at-Tawhid, as it keeps away poverty and anxiety. When one has to go out for some special work, one should go on a Thursday morning and recite the following verses from Aali Imran and Ayat ul-Kursi, Surah al-Qadr and Sure Hamd:

إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ

“Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day there are signs for men who understand.” (3:190)

الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord! Thou hast not created this in vain! Glory be to Thee; save us then from the chastisement of the fire:” (3:191)

رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ مَنْ تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنْصَارٍ

“Our Lord! surely whomsoever Thou makest enter the fire, him Thou hast indeed brought to disgrace, and there shall be no helpers for the unjust:” (3:192)

رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِي لِلْإِيمَانِ أَنْ آمِنُوا بِرَبِّكُمْ فَآمَنَّا ۚ رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِ

“Our Lord! surely we have heard a preacher calling to the faith, saying: Believe in your Lord, so we did believe; Our Lord! forgive us therefore our faults, and cover our evil deeds and make us die with the righteous.” (3:193)

رَبَّنَا وَآتِنَا مَا وَعَدْتَنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۗ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ

“Our Lord! and grant us what Thou hast promised us by Thy apostles; and disgrace us not on the day of resurrection; surely Thou dost not fail to perform the promise.” (3:194)

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) in an authentic tradition that when you leave the house, you should recite the following:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ، مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ مَا خَرَجْتُ لَهُ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَرَجْتُ إِلَيْهِ اللَّهُمَّ أَوْسِعْ عَلَيَّ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ وَأَتِمَّ عَلَيَّ نِعْمَتَكَ وَاسْتَعْمِلْنِي فِي طَاعَتِكَ وَاجْعَلْنِي راغباً فِيمَا عِنْدَكَ وتوفني فِي سَبِيلِكَ وَعَلَى مِلَّتِكَ وَمِلَّةِ رَسُولِكَ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ.

Translation: In the name of Allah. I rely on Allah. As willed. There is no power and strength, except by Allah. O Allah, I ask You for the betterment of that for which I have come out and 1 seek Your refuge from the evil of what I have come out for.

O Allah, expand upon me Your grace and complete on me Your blessing and make me engrossed in Your obedience and make me a seeker of the bounties, which You are having and make my end on the path You like most and on the faith of Your messenger, may Allah bless him and his progeny.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) in another tradition that one, who recites the following supplication at the time of leaving his house, Almighty Allah will forgive his sins, accept his repentance, fulfil his wishes and keep him secure from calamities. The supplication is as follows:

أَعُوذُ بِمَا عَاذَتْ بِهِ مَلَائِكَةُ اللَّهِ وَرُسُلُهُ مِنْ شَرِّ هَذَا الْيَوْمِ الْجَدِيدِ الَّذِي إِذَا غَابَتْ شَمْسُهُ لَمْ تَعُدْ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ غَيْرِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنْ نَصَبَ لِأَوْلِيَاءِ اللَّهِ وَمِنْ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنْسِ وَمِنْ شَرِّ السِّبَاعِ وَالْهَوَامِ وَمِنْ شَرِّ ركوب الْمَحَارِمِ كُلِّهَا اجير نَفْسِي بِاللَّهِ مِنْ كُلِّ سُوءٍ.

Translation: I seek refuge from that through which the proximate angels of Allah sought refuge, and the messengers from the evil of this new day. From the disappearing of the sun, after which it does not return.

From the evil of myself and from the evil of others than me. From the evil of Satan and from the evil of those, who were inimical to the saints of Allah and from Jinns and humans and from the mischief of the beasts and stinging creatures and from the evil of the committing of all impermissible acts and entrust myself to Allah in order to be secure from all evil.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in a good tradition that one, who recites Surah at-Tawhid ten times before leaving the house, he will remain in the security of Almighty Allah till he returns.

In another reliable tradition, it is narrated that the Imam used to recite the following supplication at the time of leaving the house:

اللَّهُمَّ بِكَ خَرَجْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ أَسْلَمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِي يُومِي هَذَا وَارْزُقْنِي فَوْزَهُ وفتحه وَنَصْرَهُ وَطهُورَهُ وهداه وَبَرَكَتَهُ وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّي شَرَّهُ وَشَرَّ مَا فِيهِ بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ وَبِاللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَالحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِينَ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي خَرَجْتُ فَبَارِكْ لِي فِي خُرُوجِي وَانْفَعْنِي بِهِ.

Translation: O Allah, by You I come out and to You I submit and in You I believe and on You I rely. O Allah. Bless me on this day and grant me success and victory and help and purity and guidance and blessing in it.

Ward off from me its evil and what is in it by the name of Allah and by Allah and Allah is the greatest and praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. O Allah, I am going out, so bless my departure and profit me by it.

It is narrated from the same Imam in a good tradition that when a person leaves his house, he should recite: Allah is the greatest (Allahu Akbar) three times; then he should recite:

بِاللَّهِ أخرج وَبِاللَّهِ أَدْخُلُ وَعَلَى اللَّهِ أَتَوَكَّلُ

Translation: 1 leave with the help of Allah and I enter by the leave of Allah and I rely on Allah.

Then he should recite three times:

اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي فِي وَجْهِي هَذَا بِخَيْرٍ وَاخْتِمْ لِي بِخَيْرٍ وَقِنِي شَرَّ كُلِّ دَابَّةٍ أَنْتَ آخِذٌ بِنَاصِيَتِهَا إِنَّ رَبِّي عَلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ

Translation: O Allah open for me in this my face with good and end it for me with good and save me from the evil of all the animals. You are the One, who holds their forelocks. Indeed! my Lord is on the straight path.

As one, who recites this supplication, will remain in the security of Allah till he returns.

In trustworthy tradition, it is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that one, who recites the following supplication at the time of leaving the house, Almighty Allah will improve his worldly and religious affairs:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ أُمُورِي كُلِّهَا وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ خِزْيِ الدُّنْيَا وَعَذَابِ الْآخِرَةِ.

Translation: In the name of Allah. Allah is sufficient for me. I rely on Allah. O Allah, I ask You the best in all my affairs and I seek Your refuge from the humiliation of the world and the chastisement of the hereafter.

It is narrated in another tradition that the Imam recited the following supplication when he came out of the room:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ خَرَجْتُ وَعَلَى اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ.

Translation: I leave in the name of Allah and upon Allah I rely. There is no power and might, except by Allah.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that one, who looks at the gem of ring after turning it around to his palm and after reciting Surah al-Qadr , recites the following at the time of leaving the house:

آمَنْتُ بِاللَّهِ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ آمَنْتُ بِسِرِّ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَانِيَتِهِمْ

Translation: I have faith in Allah. The one, without any partner. I believe in the concealed ones of Aali Muhammad (‘a) and their apparent ones.

...then no harm will come to him that day.

It is narrated in another traditional report that the following supplication must be recited at the time of leaving the house:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَبِاللَّهِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ

Translation: In the name of Allah and by Allah. There is no power and might, except by Allah. I rely on Allah.

Then he should recite Surah al-Hamd, Surah al-Falaq, Surah an-Nas, Surah at-Tawhid, Ayat ul-Kursi each one towards all six sides and recite the following at the time of entering the house:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَبِاللَّهِ أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

Translation: In the name of Allah and by Allah. I testify that there is no god, except Allah, the one, who has no partner and I witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.

Then he should greet the occupants of the house and if no one is present there, after that supplication, he should say:

السَّلَامُ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ خَاتِمِ النَّبِيِّينَ السَّلَامُ عَلَى الائمة الهادين المهديين السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ.

Translation: Peace be upon Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, the seal of the prophets. Peace be upon the guiding and the guided Imams. Peace be upon us and on the righteous servants of Allah.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in reliable tradition that if one ties the turban in tahtul hunak4 manner on leaving the house, I guarantee that he will return safe and sound.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) in a trusted tradition that when you go out for some need, you should go during the day as no need is fulfilled at night.

• 1. A hunting bird, also known as Latura.
• 2. “Nor of those who go astray.” (1:7)
• 3. A hunting bird, also known as Latura.
• 4. Fold passes under the chin.