1. Riding Different Kinds Of Horses, Mules And Donkeys

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that having a quadruped for riding is among the good fortune of man.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that you should keep a quadruped, as it is your honour and it is very useful at times and its sustenance is on God.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that keeping a defective animal is cause of endless worry.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who buys a quadruped, its advantage is for the buyer and its sustenance is the responsibility of God.

He said in another tradition that is a sign of good fortune for man that he should have a quadruped for riding; which he may ride for his errands and to help his believer brothers.

It is narrated in another tradition that he said to Yunus Ibn Yaqub: You should keep a donkey with you as it will help you to commute and its sustenance will be provided by God. The narrator says: I purchased a donkey and since I used to have yearly expenditure; when I calculated at the end of the year, there was no increase in the expenses.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) asked Ibn Tayfur, which animal he used for riding? He replied: A donkey. He asked: How much did you buy it for? He replied: Thirteen gold coins. Imam (‘a) said that it was too much to spend for a donkey; why he did not buy a mule instead.

He said: The mule is more expensive to maintain. He said: One, who gives you the expenses of donkey, He will give for the mule as well. Perhaps you don’t know that one, who keeps a horse and awaits the reappearance of us, Ahl Al-Bayt, and he enrages our enemies by showing that horse, the Almighty Allah sends its upkeep, expands the breast of that man and fulfils his aims.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that one day Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) was mounted on a mule. A man from the adversaries’ party remarked:

What a useless animal is this! Neither can you chase the enemy on it nor fight mounted upon it. Imam (‘a) said: In this animal, there is neither exaltation of a horse nor degradation of a donkey and the best condition is that of moderation.

In another tradition, it is narrated from the same Imam that one, who keeps a pure breed Arabian horse, three sins are deleted from his scroll of deeds every day and eleven good deeds are recorded in it.

And one, who keeps a horse, which had one of the parents Arabian, everyday two of sins are erased and seven good deeds are recorded and one, who keeps only a pony for his elegance and for fulfilling of his needs, or to ward off his enemies, even then one sin will be erased from the scroll of his deeds and six good deeds will be recorded.

In a reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that one, who has a red horse with a small or a big white spot on its forehead, it is blessed. And if it is piebald, in my view it is yet better. A family having such horse will not be troubled by poverty and as long as it remains with that household, it will not face injustice.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Taqi (‘a) that one, who leaves his or someone else’s house early in the morning and he sees a piebald horse; that day he will have only good fortune. And as much will be the whiteness of its head, as much will be the good fortune. And if someone goes out on an errand and notices such a horse, his aim will be fulfilled.

He said in another tradition that Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) brought four horses from Yemen for the Messenger of Allah (S). The Prophet inquired if one of them had a white spot? Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) replied: Yes, a red horse is of that type. He said: Reserve it for me. Then he asked if there were bay horses among them? He replied: Yes.

He said: Reserve them for Hasan and Husayn (‘a). Then he said: The fourth is single colour of musk. He said: Sell it and spend the money on your family, because blessed is only that horse, which has a white spot. Thus, the Holy Prophet (S) implied piebald.

Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) said that except for the donkey and mule, it is detestable for the animals to be single coloured and white spot on the ‘forehead’ of a donkey or mule is not auspicious. Except that there should be a strip and that is also not much nice.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that the best quadruped in my view is the donkey.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that the auspiciousness of the horse lies in its colour being dark brown or brown and its forehead being white. And three legs should be white; that is there should not be whiteness in the right foreleg.

It is narrated from Tarkhan, an agent for quadrupeds that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) asked him to procure a black mule and said that its mouth should be white and the centre of the back and legs should also be black.

2. Rearing Quadrupeds And Observing Their Rights

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that every quadruped has six rights on its owner: (1) when he dismounts, he should provide it grass and water (2) whenever he comes across water on the way, he should take it there; so that if it needs it may have water (3) he should not hit on its mouth, as it also glorifies God in its language (4) he should not stand on it, except in case of fighting Jihad (5) he should not load more than its capacity (6) it should be driven only as fast as it can run and not to torment it in excess.

This tradition is narrated in the same way from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), but with the addition that he also said that you should not brand any quadruped on its mouth (head).

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that one, who takes a quadruped on journey, it is obligatory that when he alights at the station, before refreshing himself, he should provide grass and water to the animal.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said that when three persons are mounted on a quadruped, one of them is accursed. That is one, who is seated in the front.

It is mentioned on another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) saw a loaded camel with its legs tied. He said: Tell its master to be prepared, as this camel will sue him before the Almighty Allah.

It is narrated in reliable tradition that a train passed before Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a). He observed that only one of the beasts was loaded. He said: Be just regarding this animal, as God likes equitability.

It is narrated in reliable tradition that Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) performed twenty Hajj pilgrimages on the same camel, but he did not ever hit it once.

It is mentioned in reliable traditions that you should not hit on the mouth of a living animal as it praises and glorifies God; and everything has some value and the respect of animals demands that they should not be lashed on their mouth.

It is narrated from Abu Dharr al-Ghifari that the quadrupeds say: O God, bestow kindness to our master, so that he behaves kindly with us, keep track of our feed and water, and he should not be cruel to us.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) and Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a), through two reliable chains that when the owner of a quadruped wants to mount it, he should recite:

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ لِي رَحِيمًا

Translation: O Allah, make it kind for me.

In another reliable, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that a man saw Abu Dharr al-Ghifari in Rabdha making his donkey drink water in excess. He asked: Don’t you have any servant to perform this errand for you? He replied: I heard from the Messenger of Allah (S) that every quadruped prays to Allah in the morning: O Lord, bestow good sense to my master to give me feed and water and not to make me labour more than my capacity.

In a trustworthy tradition, it is narrated from Safwan, the camel driver that I bought a camel worth eighty dirhams for Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a). When I brought it to the Imam, he said: Can he lift a litter? I loaded it with a litter and brought it to the Imam. He remarked: If people come to know that Almighty Allah has bestowed such strength to weak animals to lift loads, they would never purchase expensive animals.

It is narrated from Ibn Abi Yafur in another tradition that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) saw me walking on foot. He asked: You have a camel, why don’t you ride it? I said: It is weak, and I want to keep it light. He said: You don’t know whether the camel is weak or strong. Both are given the same capacity to lift weights.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in many reliable traditions that a Satan perches on the hump of every camel. So, when you use it, you should do so gently and while loading or mounting it, you should mention the name of God.

In another reliable tradition, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that the camel, which is taken on Hajj seven times, and it has reached Arafat every time, then Almighty Allah will, without any doubt, include it among the quadrupeds of Paradise.

In another tradition, five times is mentioned instead of seven times and in yet another tradition only three times is reported.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who mounts a loaded camel and he dismounts by jumping carelessly, if he dies, he will go to Hell.

He said in another tradition that if a quadruped falls when it is mounted and the master says: May you be destroyed. It replies: May the most disobedient to God from us be destroyed.

It is narrated in two reliable traditions from the Messenger of Allah (S) that if a quadruped flees, it should be beaten up and if it stumbles and falls, it should not be beaten.

He said in another tradition that you should neither sit cross legged while mounted nor should you dangle both your legs on one side. You should also not make its back a place of rest, that you chat mounted on it, while it stands. You should dismount at such time.

It is narrated from Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) that animals are not unaware of four things: (1) they recognize their God (2) they know their pasture (3) they are familiar with death (4) they discriminate between male and female.

People asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when was it justified to hit the animal while driving it. He replied: When it does to move with the gait, with which it hastens to the feeding trough when it is hungry.

3. Rules Of Saddle And Reins

We should know that precaution dictates that nothing from the saddle or rein should be made of gold or silver and it is recommended that the saddle should neither be of silk nor red in colour and it is extremely detestable for ladies to mount a saddle.

It is mentioned in reliable traditions that among the signs of the last period of time is that women will ride in saddles.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in a good tradition that riding on saddles is cursed and unlawful for women.

Through reliable chains of narrators, it is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that it is not allowed for women to ride on saddle, except in case of urgent need or during journey.

In authentic tradition, it is narrated that Ali Ibn Ja’far asked Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) whether it was allowed to mount a horse having a silver saddle or rein? He replied: If it is only gilt, which cannot be removed, then there is no problem; otherwise, it is not allowed.

In another tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the halter of the she-camel of the Messenger of Allah (S) was made of silver.

It is mentioned in many traditions that the Messenger of Allah (S) said to Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a): Beware never mount on red saddle cover, whether it is on a camel or a horse. It is among those things on which the Satan mounts.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) and Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) used to mount on red saddle cover of a camel.

It is mentioned in another tradition that people asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a): Was it allowed to use lion or cheetah skin as saddle cover? He replied: It is allowed, but not to pray on it.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that I will never give up five things as long as I am alive: one of them being riding a saddled donkey.

It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that there is a Satan in the nostril of every quadruped. Therefore, it is best to recite Bismil-Lah when one is putting the rein on it.

In authentic tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the quadruped, which is unruly at the time of reining it, then if it is possible to hold its ear or just recite the following verse on it:

أَفَغَيْرَ دِينِ اللَّهِ يَبْغُونَ وَلَهُ أَسْلَمَ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا وَإِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ

“Is it then other than Allah's religion that they seek (to follow), and to Him submits whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him shall they be returned.” (3:83).

4.. Etiquette And Supplications Of Riding Beasts

Through authentic chains of narrators, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that if the person says: In the name of Allah, at the time of mounting the beast, an angel mounts behind him and he guards him as long as he is mounted.

And if he does not say it, a Satan mounts behind him and says: Sing a song for me. But since he does not know singing, the Satan says: Harbor false hopes. Thus, as long as he remains mounted, he remains involved in impossible thoughts.

He also said that one, who recites the following at the time of mounting:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّه

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

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي هَدَانَا لِهَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَهْتَدِيَ لَوْلَا أَنْ هَدَانَا اللَّهُ

Praise be to Allah, Who guided us to Islam and if He had not guided us to it, we would not have been guided by Allah. (7:43)

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ

Glory be to Him, Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it. (43:13)

Then till he dismounts, he and his animal will remain secure in every way.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that one, who while mounting recites Ayat ul-Kursi and then recites:

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الحَيُّ القَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذُنُوبِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Translation: I seek the forgiveness of Allah, besides whom there is no god. The living, the everlasting and I turn to Him (in repentance). O Allah, forgive my sins, because no one other than You can forgive the sins.

The Almighty Allah tells the angels: My servant has confessed that no one other than Me can forgive the sins. So you remain witness that I have forgiven his sins on this only.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that when you mount the quadrupeds, you should mention God and recite:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ

“Glory be to Him Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it” (43:13).

وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ

“and surely to our Lord we must return.” (43:14).

It is narrated from Ali Ibn Rabia that when Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) inserted his foot in the stirrup, he used to recite: ‘In the name of Allah,’ and when he was mounted, he used to recite:

الحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي كَرَّمَنَا

Translation: Praise be to Allah, Who honoured

وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا

and carries us in the land and the sea, and We have given them of the good things, and We have made them to excel by an appropriate excellence over most of those whom We created. (17:70)

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ

Glory be to Him, Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it. (43:13)

Then he recited:

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ

Translation: Glory be to Allah

...thrice

الحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ

Translation: Praise be to Allah

...thrice

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Translation: God is the greatest

...thrice. After that he recited:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Translation: O Lord, forgive me, because none other than You can forgive the sins.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that when Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) inserted his foot in the stirrup, he used to say:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ

Glory be to Him, Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it. (43:13)

Then seven times each:

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ

Translation: Glory be to Allah.

الحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ

Translation: Praise be to Allah.

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ

Translation: There is no god, except Allah.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that when that Imam mounted the camel, he recited the following supplication:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّه

Translation: In the name of Allah. And there is no power and might, except by Allah.

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ

Glory be to Him, Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it. (43:13)

وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ

And surely to our Lord we must return. (43:14)

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that there is a Satan on the hump of every camel. So when you mount it, you should recite the following as the Almighty Allah says:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ

Glory be to Him, Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it. (43:13)

It is narrated in another reliable tradition that when the beast of the Messenger of Allah (S) stumbled or slipped, he used to recite:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ وَمِنْ تَحَويل عَافِيَتِكَ وَمِنْ فُجَاءَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ.

Translation: O Allah, I seek Your refuge from the decline of Your blessing and from the changing of Your relief and the sudden arrival of Your fury.

It is mentioned in reliable tradition that a person complained to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that his mount used to abruptly stop while moving. Imam (‘a) said: Recite the following verses in its ear:

أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا خَلَقْنَا لَهُمْ مِمَّا عَمِلَتْ أَيْدِينَا أَنْعَامًا فَهُمْ لَهَا مَالِكُونَ

“Do they not see that We have created cattle for them, out of what Our hands have wrought, so they are their masters? (36:71).

وَذَلَّلْنَاهَا لَهُمْ فَمِنْهَا رَكُوبُهُمْ وَمِنْهَا يَأْكُلُونَ

“And We have subjected them to them, so some of them they have to ride upon, and some of them they eat.” (36:72).

In a good tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that it is obligatory on the mounted to warn the pedestrians, so that they may not get any harm from his mount.

He also said that once Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) was mounted. Some people started walking with him. Imam (‘a) asked: Do you want something from me? They replied: No, we only want to accompany you to pay respect to you. He said: There is no need; go back as the walking of people with a mounted person creates arrogance in the rider and degrades the pedestrians.

In another tradition, it is narrated from Abdullah Ibn Ataa that one day I went to meet Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a). Imam (‘a) said: Saddle two horses for us. I saddled a mule and a horse and presented the mule for the Imam to mount. He said: No, get me the donkey as in my view, it is the best among animals and you mount the mule. I followed the directions, brought the donkey and stood holding the stirrup. When the Imam was mounting, he recited:

الحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي هَدَانَا لِلْإِسْلَامِ وَعَلَّمَنَا الْقُرْآنَ وَمَنَّ عَلَيْنَا بِمُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وسلم وَالحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا مُنْقَلِبُونَ وَالحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِينَ

Translation: Praise be to Allah, who guided us to Islam and taught us the Qur’an and blessed us with Muhammad (S). And praise be to Allah, Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it. And surely to our Lord we must return. And praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

After that he set off. On way, I observed that the donkey was trotting and the Imam was holding the saddle in the front. I asked: O son of Allah’s Messenger (S), are you uncomfortable? He said: The Messenger of Allah (S) had a donkey named Yafur. When he mounted it, it used to trot so much in gaiety that the shoulders of the Prophet hopped. He used to hold the saddle in the front and remark:

اللَّهُمَّ لَيْسَ مِنِّي وَلَكِنْ ذَا مِنْ عفير

Translation: O Allah, this not from me, this haughty movement is from Yafur.

O friends, we should remember that the Prophet was terrified even when a donkey moved with pride and he used to seek excuse of Allah. So those of Arab descent and fast horses with arrogance and pride; through their prancing gait as if they are favouring the sky and the earth. They do not accord any value to anyone. Then how they will seek pardon?

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that: Are you not ashamed that you remain in sleep of ignorance mounted on your quadruped and while carrying you, it remains in remembrance of its Lord?

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that he said: My quadruped never stumbled, because I never trampled on the crop of anyone while riding.

5. Etiquette Of Walking On Foot

Some traditions of this section were mentioned in the chapter of etiquette of dress and footwear.

It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) in a reliable tradition that the beauty of the believer is destroyed by walking fast.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in a good tradition that ladies should walk on the sides of the road and men should walk in the centre.

He said in another tradition that the pedestrian as compared to the mounted, and the bare-footed as compared to one wearing shoes, is more worthy of walking in the centre of the road.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated that Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) used walk with such demeanour as if a bird was perching on his head. And his right hand never moved ahead of the left.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in reliable tradition that when a person walks arrogantly the earth, everything below and above it, curses him.

He said in another tradition that when the people of my Ummah ignore the beggars and walk arrogantly, Allah swears that He will punish them in such a way that they would cause harm to each other.

He said in another tradition that when people of my Ummah start walking arrogantly, there will be such mischief among them that they will wield the sword on each other.

He said in another tradition that one, who, during journey or at station, keeps a walking stick in his hand and instead of being arrogant, he is humble, then a thousand good deeds are recorded for him for every step, a thousand sins will be erased and he will be elevated a thousand ranks.

He said in another tradition that you should carry a walking stick as it is the practice (Sunnah) of prophets. And all young and old of Bani Israel used to carry the stick so that arrogance may not appear in them.

He also said that carrying a walking stick removes poverty and Satan does not come near him.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that if you are wise, you should make a proper intention where you want to go and restrain yourself from what is opposed to Islamic law. You should also contemplate on the creations surroundings you and refrain your eyes from what is unlawful and continue to remember God, because all the places, on which Allah is remembered, will testify for him on Judgment Day and seek forgiveness for him so that he may enter Paradise.

Do not talk too much while walking. It is against good manners and most paths are ambushes of Satan. Do not be neglectful of his deceit. In other words, you should be such that you’re going and coming back should be in obedience to God. And your outing should be for pleasure of God. And always keep in mind that all your actions are recorded in your scroll of deeds.

6. Keeping Of Cows, Buffaloes, Goats And Sheep

It is narrated in reliable tradition that people asked the Messenger of Allah (S) which was the best profession. The Prophet said: Farming. A person who himself ploughs the field, sows and harvests the crop; then he takes his share and pays the share of God.

Then they asked about the second-best profession. He replied: Goat farming. That is he should graze them in pasture, pray there and then pay the Zakat of his property. They asked: After goat farming? He replied: Dairy farming. They asked: After that? He replied: Date tree farming.

Then he said: Date trees are very good property. One, who sells them away it is as if he has taken the cost of the sand which the storm picked up and threw on the mountain. But it is valid only when he takes cash for them and does not exchange them for other trees. People asked: O Messenger of Allah (S), which is the next best profession? The Prophet did not reply.

A certain person asked: O Messenger of Allah (S), why did you not mention about rearing of camels? He replied: More effort is required for this line of work. Often it demands staying away from home and there are continuous expenses.

He said in another tradition that there is gain in keeping goats and sheep when they are alive and also useful even after being killed. That when they are dying, you should slaughter and consume them and there will be no loss for you. And as long as cattle is alive, they are profitable and after death they cause loss.

As for camel: it is the neighbour of Satan. There is loss in its presence as well as in absence. That is when it is in health, it causes harm to the master and does not bring any profit. People asked: O Messenger of Allah (S), who will keep camels after what you have said? He replied: There will be unfortunate persons in every age, who will continue to rear camels.

He said in another tradition that from the ten parts of sustenance, nine parts are present in trade and one is present in goat farming.

He said in another tradition that you must definitely take to goat farming as they will profit you every day.

It is mentioned in another reliable tradition that presence of camel brings respect to the owner.

It is mentioned in authentic tradition that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said to Safwan, the camel driver, to purchase a camel for him, but it should be ugly, because it lives longest.

He said in another tradition that you must purchase black and ugly camels as they live longest.

It is mentioned in another reliable tradition that you must never acquire red haired camels, as they have short lifespans.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that never walk through the camel train as there is no train, in which a Satan is not present between each pair of camels.

It is mentioned in good tradition that Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) used to buy and ride a camel worth a hundred gold coins.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that one of the carriers of the Divine Throne (Arsh) looks like oxen, and it is the chief of all animals and the best of them. And till Bani Israel had not worshiped the calf, the oxen was the most beautiful and respected of the animals.

When Bani Israel committed that mistake, the angel having the form of oxen, bowed down its head in shame and this was emulated by every ox and from that time no ox ever looks at the heavens due to shame.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that the camel, which consumes human excreta, should be quarantined for forty days and provided only grass. Only after that can its flesh and milk be used; and only after that can it be used for riding.

In view of scholars, its flesh and milk is absolutely unlawful and riding it, is detestable. The same rule applies to all animals. They can be purified only after being quarantined for a period of time. Different time period is prescribed for different animals and all details are mentioned in books of Islamic jurisprudence.

7. Rules Of Buying And Keeping Of Animals

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that one, who buys a quadruped, it is necessary for him to stand to the right of the beast and holding its fur with his right hand, recite the following on its head: Surah al-Hamd, Surah at-Tawhid, Surah al-Falaq, Surah an-Nas and last four verses of Surah Hashr:

لَوْ أَنْزَلْنَا هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ عَلَىٰ جَبَلٍ لَرَأَيْتَهُ خَاشِعًا مُتَصَدِّعًا مِنْ خَشْيَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَتِلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

“Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, you would certainly have seen it falling down, splitting asunder because of the fear of Allah, and We set forth these parables to men that they may reflect.” (59:21).

هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ ۖ هُوَ الرَّحْمَٰنُ الرَّحِيمُ

“He is Allah besides Whom there is no god; the Knower of the unseen and the seen; He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.” (59:22).

هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ

“He is Allah, besides Whom there is no god; the King, the Holy, the Giver of peace, the Granter of security, Guardian over all, the Mighty, the Supreme, the Possessor of every greatness; Glory be to Allah from what they set up (with Him).” (59:23).

هُوَ اللَّهُ الْخَالِقُ الْبَارِئُ الْمُصَوِّرُ ۖ لَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

“He is Allah the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner; His are the most excellent names; whatever is in the heavens and the earth declares His glory; and He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (59:24).

And last two verses of Surah Bani Israel:

قُلِ ادْعُوا اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُوا الرَّحْمَٰنَ ۖ أَيًّا مَا تَدْعُوا فَلَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًا

“Say: Call upon Allah or call upon, the Beneficent God; whichever you call upon, He has the best names; and do not utter your prayer with a very raised voice nor be silent with regard to it, and seek a way between these.” (17:110).

وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًا وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ وَلِيٌّ مِنَ الذُّلِّ ۖ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًا

“And say: (All) praise is due to Allah, Who has not taken a son and Who has not a partner in the kingdom, and Who has not a helper to save Him from disgrace; and proclaim His greatness magnifying (Him).” (17:111).

...then say:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Translation: Allah is the greatest.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that it is obligatory on one, who recites these last verses of Surah Bani Israel, to recite:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Translation: Allah is the greatest.

Then recite Ayat ul-Kursi. After that the Almighty Allah will keep that quadruped secure from all calamities.

In trusted tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when you purchase a slave girl, you should recite:

اللَّهُمَّ أَسْتَشِيرُكَ وَأَسْتَجيرُكَ

Translation: O Allah, I seek counsel from You and seek well-being from You.

And when you want to purchase a beast, you should recite:

اللَّهُمَّ قَدِّرْ لِي أَطْوَلَهُنَّ حَيَاةً وَأَكْثَرَهُنَّ مَنْفَعَةً وَخَيْرَهُنَّ عَاقِبَةً

Translation: O Allah, may the lifespan of this animal be the longest and may it be most beneficial and convenient for me.

It is mentioned in authentic tradition that Ali Ibn Ja’far asked Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) whether it was allowed to brand the mouth (head) of an animal? He replied: There is no problem in it. [that is, it is not unlawful; it is detestable.]. Thus, in trustworthy tradition, it is narrated that people inquired from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) regarding branding of animals. He replied: It is best to brand any of its part, except its head (front).

He said in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) disallowed branding the heads of animals or to beat them on their faces as they also intone divine praises.

It is mentioned in another tradition that people inquired from him regarding branding the faces of sheep. He replied: You should brand them near the ears.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that you should leave a little milk in the udders when you milk them, as it will enable quick replenishment.

He said in another tradition that animal pens should be cleaned thoroughly and that their oozing should be removed. You should pray in their pens, because sheep and goats are animals of Paradise.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that you must signal to the sheep and goat by whistling while urging them out of the pen and click the tongue while recalling them from the wild.

It is mentioned in reliable tradition that people asked the Imam about castration of animals. He replied: There was no problem in it and it was not unlawful.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that castration of animals and making them fight was detestable.

He said in another tradition that one day Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) passed through a place where people were mating a pair of animals right in the middle of the road. The Imam looked away and said: This is not only inappropriate, but also detestable. It should be done in a place unseen by any human.

It is narrated in reliable tradition that people asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) whether it was allowed to cut the fat tail of a living ram? He replied: If it is aimed at improving the health of the animal, it is allowed. But the detached fat tail will be regarded as carrion and you cannot use it in any way.

We should remember that among the scholar, it is well known in accordance with reliable tradition that if a kid of goat or sheep sucks the milk of pig to an extent that its flesh and bones develop, its flesh is unlawful and regarding sheep and goats, about whom it is known that they are from its progeny all of them are unlawful.

Even if it has sucked little and no flesh and bones developed from it, even then its milk and flesh is detestable. And the method of removing this detestability, is that if it is on milk, it should be quarantined and fed the milk of sheep or goat and if it has stopped sucking, it should be fed lawful grass and grains.

It is narrated in authentic tradition that a person wrote to Imam Ali An-Naqi (‘a) that a woman suckled a lamb (or kid) as long as it needed to nurse. Now, it was grown up. It has itself given birth to a kid and produced milk. Was it allowed to consume its milk. The Imam replied: The act of that woman was detestable, but there is no problem in consuming that milk.

8. A Brief Description Of The Types Of Animals

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that all birds and wild animals and fishes, which are hunted, as many divine praises they used to intone are wasted.

He said in another tradition that in the beginning, all the animals lived together in unity till Qabeel, the son of Adam (‘a) slain his brother, Habeel. After that they became inimical to each other and became disunited and every animal became inclined to the animal resembling it.

It is mentioned in another tradition that Prophet Yaqub (‘a) told his son: Do not fornicate, because the bird, which fornicates loses its feathers.

It is narrated from Imam Husayn (‘a) that when the vulture screeches, it says: O son of Adam, you may live in whichever way you want, but the end is death in any case. Then it calls out: O knower of the unseen, O remover of calamities!

The peacock says: I oppressed myself, I was arrogant on my beauty. Now, You forgive me.

The partridge says:

الرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَىٰ

“The Beneficent God is firm in power.” (20:5).

The wild fowl says: One, who recognizes God, cannot become forgetful of Him.

The domestic cock says: Rely on God, so that He may give you sustenance.

The falcon says: I believed in Your divinity and on Judgment Day.

The eagle says: One, who is obedient to Allah is never unfortunate.

The hawk says:

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ حَقًّا حَقًّا

Translation: Glory be to Allah, truly as a matter of fact.

The screeching owl says: Separation creates love.

The wild crow says: O giver of sustenance, give me lawful sustenance.

The heron says: O God, protect me from my enemies.

The stork says: One, who lives away from people, will be secure of their harm.

The drake says: O God, I seek forgiveness from You.

The Hoopoe says: One, who disobeys God is very unfortunate.

The dove says: O knower of unseen, O God.

The dubsi1 says: O God, You are the Lord, there is no god, except You.

The sparrow says; I seek divine forgiveness from all that infuriates God.

The bulbul says:

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ حَقًّا حَقًّا

Translation: The fact is that there is no god, except Allah.

The red-legged partridge says: The truth is near, the truth is near.

The samana bird says: O son of Adam, how oblivious are you of death?

The dove says:

يَا وَاحِدُ ويَا أَحَدُ يَا فَرْدُ ويَا صَمَد

Translation: The one, the only, the sole, the sufficient.

The greenfinch says: O my master, please save me from the fire of Hell.

The Hooja bird says: O my master, please accept the repentance of all the sinners.

The domestic pigeon says: If You don’t forgive my sins, I will be unlucky.

The ostrich says: There is no god, except Allah.

The swallow recites Surah al-Hamd and says: O one, who accepts the repentance of all sinners. O God, the true praise is Your alone.

The lamb says: Death is sufficient as a teacher.

The kid says: My death overtook me and my sins are in excess and they are serious.

The lion says: Much attention should be paid to the worship of God.

The bullock says: Avoid sins; because you are before a God, whom no one can see and He sees everyone; and He is the master of all creatures.

The elephant says: Nothing can save one from death.

The cheetah says:

يَا عَزِيزُ يَا جَبَّارُ يَا متكبرُ يَا اللَّهُ

Translation: O mighty, O powerful, O haughty, O Allah.

The camel says: The Almighty Allah degrades the oppressors and He is absolutely pure. Glorified be Him.

The horse says: Glorified be our Lord.

The wolf says: One, whom Allah protects, can never be destroyed.

The jackal says: There is regret and severe chastisement for those, who persist on sins.

The dog says: Disobedience of God is sufficient for degradation.

The rabbit says: O God, the praise is only Yours, please don’t destroy me.

The fox says: The world is the abode of deceit.

The deer says: Please save me from torment.

The rhinoceros says: Please help me or I will be destroyed.

The lion cub says: Glorified be God, Who is the greatest. I also glorify him.

The snake says: O merciful God, how unfortunate is one, who disobeys You!

The scorpion says: Sin is fearsome.

Then the Imam said: There is none among the creatures of God, who do not intone some praise, as the Almighty Allah has said:

تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ السَّمَاوَاتُ السَّبْعُ وَالْأَرْضُ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ ۚ وَإِنْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهِ وَلَٰكِنْ لَا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْ

“The seven heavens declare His glory and the earth (too), and those who are in them; and there is not a single thing hut glorifies Him with His praise but you do not understand their glorifications.” (17:44)

It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that there are twelve kinds of animals, which have been transmogrified: (1) elephant - it was a king, who indulged in fornication and sodomy (2) bear - it was a wild Bedouin, who practiced cuckoldry (3) rabbit - it was an unfaithful wife and she did not perform ritual bath of menses (4) lion - it was thief, who stole dates (5) Canopus (dog star) - he was a man in Yemen, who collected tithe by force

(6) Venus - it was a woman, who deceived Harut and Marut (7) monkey (8) pig; both these were from Bani Israel; they hunted on Saturday (9) iguana (10) lizard; these two were from Bani Israel, during the time of Isa (‘a) they did not believe in the table, which was sent for him from heavens, and that is why they were transmogrified; one group of them went to the sea and another remained on land (11) scorpion - he was a mischief-maker, who created discord among people (12) wasp - it was a butcher, who under weighed.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that the bear was a man with whom people committed sodomy. The iguana was a Bedouin, who robbed the Hajj pilgrims. The spider was a woman, who practiced sorcery against her husband. Daymoos was a tale-teller, who created discord between friends. Snake and fish were cockolders. The lion stole dates. The monkey - Jews, who fished on the Sabbath. Pigs and monkeys - they were people, who did not believe in the heavenly table.

It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that the rats are a group of Jews, who were punished by the Almighty Allah.

The mosquito - it was a person, who ridiculed the prophets.

The lice - which was transmogrified due to jealousy. There was a prophet of Bani Israel, who was praying one day when an ignorant man began to ridicule him. He was transmogrified into a lice.

The lizard was also a group of Bani Israel people, who abused the descendants of prophets and bore malice to them.

It is mentioned in another tradition that tortoise was a nasty tempered man.

It is mentioned in some traditional reports that Venus and Canopus (dog star), who are transmogrified, are not two stars; on the contrary they are two aquatic animals.

It is mentioned in reliable traditional reports that those who die from Bani Umayyah are transmogrified into lizards. He also said that whenever you kill a lizard, you should perform the ritual bath (Ghusl).

It is mentioned in reliable tradition that those who were transmogrified, did not live for more than three days. But the Almighty Allah created some animals in their form and made them unlawful (to consume etc); so that others may gain lesson from them.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that the Almighty Allah transmogrified seven hundred communities, because they did not obey successors of their prophets; thus 400 types live on land and 300 went into the sea.

9. Excellence Of Business And Lawful Income

In reliable traditions, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that wealth is the best helper in order to escape from sins and to acquire piety.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who does not desire to gather wealth from lawful ways, his aim being to save himself from asking others, to repay his debt and to do a good turn to his relatives, there is no merit in him.

He said in another tradition that seek help from the world to achieve the hereafter and do not become a burden on people.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that one, who imposes the burden of expenditure of his family on others, is accursed.

It is mentioned in a good tradition that a man asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) if it was allowed to desire material world? He asked: What for do you need material wealth? He replied: For bearing the expenses of self and family, for doing a good turn to the relatives, for charity, for Hajj and Umrah. Imam (‘a) said: Earning for all this is not seeking the world - it is seeking the hereafter.

He said in another tradition that prosperity, which keeps one away from oppression is better than poverty, which motivates one to sin.

It is mentioned in reliable tradition that a Sunni scholar met Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) when he was walking assisted by two servants and it was a hot day. That man objected: You are from the elders of Quraish, you should not come out at such time for seeking material wealth; what if death came to you in such condition?

He replied: If death comes in this condition, it would be the best, because it would have come at a time, when I was engrossed in worship of God; and doing something, which will enable me to remain needless of people like you.

One should fear death when one is busy in divine disobedience. That man was regretful of his audacity. He said: You are right, I wanted to advise His Eminence, but I was myself advised.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) in reliable tradition that Almighty Allah said to Dawood (‘a): If you had worked yourself and did not take anything from the public treasury, you would have been very righteous.

Dawood (‘a) continued to weep for forty days after that. Then Allah commanded iron to become soft as wax for Dawood (‘a) and he prepared an armour and sold it for a thousand dirhams. So much so that he made 360 armours during his lifetime and was never needful of the public treasury.

It is narrated in another tradition that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) asked about the well-being Amr Ibn Muslim. People said that he has closed his business. The Imam said thrice: It is an act of Satan. Does he not know that the Messenger of Allah (S) used to trade?

And the Almighty Allah has also praised the traders when He said: There are some whom trade does not prevent from the remembrance of God; it implied those traders who became engrossed in prayer, when it was prayer time. Such traders are many times better than those, who do not trade, but pray on time.

It is mentioned in trusted tradition that the people told the Imam about a person that he said: I will remain at home, pray, fast, worship God; my sustenance will arrive from somewhere. The Imam said: He is from those three, whose supplication is not accepted.

It is narrated in another tradition that someone asked the Imam that I want the Almighty Allah to give me sustenance with ease. He said: Till you don t make effort as Allah has ordered, I will not pray for you.

It is mentioned in another reliable tradition that Imam asked the people about some person. They said: He was in financial crisis. Imam (‘a) asked. In what trade is he now? They said: He remains at home, but is engrossed in worship of God. He asked: How are his expenses managed?

They said: Some believer brothers support him. Imam (‘a) said: The worship of those, who are paying for his needs is much better than the worship of that man.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that one, who seeks material wealth with the aim to become needless of others, to maintain his family member and to be kind to his neighbours; on Judgment Day his face will glow like the full moon.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that there are seventy parts of worship; the best being earning lawful sustenance.

It is mentioned in reliable traditional report that when you opened your shop and sat spreading out your wares, then you did your duty; the rest is upon God - rely on Him (alone).

In reliable traditions, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) and he mentioned it during the farewell Hajj that Jibra’il informed me that any living thing, which dies, has consumed all the sustenance that Allah had destined for it.

So, you should fear God and do not make exceeding effort in seeking livelihood and delay in it, should not make you incline to disobey God for getting something; because Almighty Allah has distributed lawful sustenance among His creatures and not unlawful sustenance.

Now, one, who refrains from disobedience of God and observes patience, he will definitely get his lawful sustenance; and one, who is not patient, and he takes unlawful wealth, the same amount of his lawful sustenance will be decreased and on Judgment Day, he will be answerable about the unlawful.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that even if man goes into a hole Allah will send his sustenance there; therefore, do not make exceptional efforts in seeking livelihood.

It is narrated from the same Imam in reliable traditions that Almighty Allah has placed the sustenance of a believer, at places where it is least expected. That is why since, they are unaware from where they will get it, they pray more from the Almighty Allah.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in other traditions that practicing business enhances the intellect and leaving it, reduces it.

Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) said to a trader: You should go out early in the morning after that, which will earn you respect; that is the market.

It is mentioned in many traditions that you should leave early in the morning for earning sustenance.

10. Etiquette Of Business

It is narrated that Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) used to say from the pulpit: O traders, first learn the rules of trade and then undertake it; because for this Ummah, the difference between gain and interest is thinner than the line made by the ant on a stone. And do not take a false oath. All traders are transgressors and the abode of transgressors are Hell.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that one, who undertakes monetary transactions, he should avoid five things: (1) usury (2) taking oath (3) concealing the defect of goods (4) to praise his wares (5) to condemn the goods he wants to buy.

It is narrated in reliable tradition that early in the morning Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) patrolled the markets of Kufa with a lash on his shoulder and said: O people, when you become engrossed in buying and selling, first you should supplicate God for well-being. Observe ease in buying and selling and do everything with full attention, so that you may be blessed.

You should increase awareness about the customer and conduct warmly with them. Make forbearance and patience your habit. Refrain from taking false oath and lying. Do not oppress people and be equitable in the matter of oppressed. Do not go near interest. Give full measure. Do not cheat.

He said in another tradition that except for those who know the rules of trade, no one should enter a trade; because one, who conducts business without knowing the rules of business, his business will be considered usury.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) in authentic tradition that one, who goes to the market in the morning and late afternoon, and when he reaches the market, he says:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ خَيْرِهَا وَخَيْرِ أهلها

Translation: O Allah I seek of You benefits from this market and from those in it.

Almighty Allah appoints an angel for him, who guards him and his goods, till he returns home. That angel tells him: Today you escaped the market and the folks of the market; and you achieved their goodness by the command of God. After that when you sit in the shop, you should recite:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وأشهدُ أنَّ مُحَمَّدًا صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ رِزْقًا حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ وأعوذ بك من صفقةٍ خاسرةٍ ويمينٍ كاذبةٍ

Translation: 1 bear witness that there is no God, except One, Who has no partner and I also stand witness to Muhammad (S) being His creature and His Prophet. O Allah, I beg You to give me permissible and purified daily bread with Your blessings; and seek shelter for myself for doing any cruelty on anyone or anyone doing any cruelty on me and also seek refuge from trade, which incurs losses and false oaths.

When he recites this supplication, the angel appointed on him will say: Glad tidings to you, today no one has a share more than you in this market. You have made haste in gathering good deeds and in erasing evil deeds. Now, in a short time lawful, pure and blessed sustenance, which Almighty Allah has made lawful for you, is about to come.

In authentic tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when you reach the market, you should recite the following:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ خَيْرِهَا وَخَيْرِ أَهْلِهَا وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ أَوْ أَبْغِيَ أَوْ يُبْغَى عَلَيَّ أو اعتدي أو يعتدى عليَّ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ إِبْلِيسَ وَجُنُودِهِ وَمِنْ شَرِّ فسقة الْعَرَبِ وَالْعَجَمِ وحَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ.

Translation: O Allah, indeed I ask You for its good and the good of its people and I seek refuge from its evil. O Allah, I seek Your refuge from that I should oppress and be oppressed or transgress or be transgressed against or dominated or be dominated.

O Allah, I seek Your refuge from the mischief of Iblis and his army and from the evil of what the Arabs and non-Arabs sin. And Allah is sufficient for me and there is no god, except Him. Upon Him do I rely and He is the Lord of the mighty throne.

It is narrated from the same Imam in another authentic tradition that one, who recites the following while entering the market or the Masjid, gets the reward of an accepted Hajj:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ كَبِيرًا وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ كَثِيرًا وَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيمِ وَصَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِهِ

Translation: I testify that there is no god, except Allah. The one, without any partner and Allah is the greatest of the great. And praise be to Allah in excess. And glory be to Allah in the morning and night. And there is no power and might, except for Allah, the mighty and the great and may Allah bless Muhammad and his progeny.

It is mentioned in another tradition that Almighty Allah will record ten million good deeds in the scroll of one, who says the following in the market:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

Translation: I bear witness that there is in no god, except Allah, the one, Who has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) in reliable tradition that one, who reaches the market and sees profit and loss of transactions and increase and decrease, he should recite:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ اللهم إني أسألك من فضلك واستجير بك من الظلم والغِرَمِ والمآثم

Translation: I bear witness that there is no god, except Allah. The one, without any partner and that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger. O Allah, indeed I beg You of Your grace and seek Your help from oppression, interest and slump.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in another traditional report that one, who recites the following supplication on reaching the market:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وأن مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُه اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الظلم والمآثم والمغرم

Translation: I bear witness that there is no god, except Allah. The one, without any partner and that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger. O Allah, indeed I beg You of Your grace and seek Your refuge from oppression, interest and slump.

The Almighty Allah will reward him equal to the number persons in the market, whether they are speaking or silent.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that when people are engrossed in worldly transactions, you should mention God much, as it would be a penalty of your sins; and increase rewards; and you will not be included among the neglectful. And when you go to the market to buy things you need, as soon as you reach there, you should recite:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وأشهدُ أن مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ صلى الله عليه وآله

اللهم إني أعوذ بك من صفقة خاسرة ويمين فاجرة وأعوذ بك من بوار الأيمِ

Translation: I bear witness that there is no god, except Allah. The one, without any partner and that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger, may Allah bless him and his progeny. O Allah, I seek Your refuge from a deal of loss and transgression and I seek Your refuge from a painful perdition.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in reliable tradition that one, who recites the following on reaching the market, the Almighty Allah will give rewards equal to that of all His creatures from the beginning till the end:

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَهُوَ حَي لَا يَمُوتُ بِيَدِهِ الخَيْرُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Translation: Glory be to Allah and praise be to Allah and there is no god, except Allah. The one, there is no partner with Him. For Him is the kingdom and for Him is the praise. He gives life and death and He the living that never dies. In His control is the good and He is powerful over everything.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in authentic tradition that when you purchase some goods, you should recite three times: Allah is the greatest (Allahu Akbar) and recite the following supplication three times:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي اشتريته التمس فيه من خيرك فَاجْعَلْ لِي فِيهِ خَيْرًا اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي اشتريته التمس فيه من فضلك فاجعل لي فيه فضلاً اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي اشتريته التمس فيه من رزقك فاجعل لِي فِيهِ رِزْقًا.

Translation: O Allah, I have bought that thing, that I may gain some benefit from it through You. Thus, ordain for me some reward in it. O Allah I have bought it with purpose that it may be the cause of Your further blessings, thus ordain for me relevant blessings in this thing. O Allah I have bought it that through it You may give me my daily bread. Thus determine its course to increase my daily bread.

It is narrated in another traditional report that Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) used to write the following on goods he purchased:

بَرَكَةً لَنا

Translation: Bless (it) for us.

There is possibility that Imam used to write with his finger.

In authentic tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when you want to buy something, you should recite the following supplication three times:

يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ يَا دَائِمُ يا رَؤُوف يَا رَحِيمُ أَسْأَلُكَ بِعِزَّتِكَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ وَمَا أَحَاطَ بِهِ عِلْمُكَ أَنْ تَقْسِمَ لِي مِنَ التِّجَارَةِ الْيَوْمَ أَعْظَمَهَا رِزْقًا وَأَوْسَعَهَا فَضْلًا وَخَيْرَهَا عَاقِبَةً فَإِنَّهُ لَا خَيْرَ فِي مَا لَا عَاقِبَةَ لَهُ

Translation: O the Ever-living, the Self-subsisting; the Eternal, the Generous, the Merciful, I bind You and by Your dignity, Your might and all those things, which are in Your knowledge and beg You to increase my prosperity and respect and make my end good through today’s trade, as those things, whose end is not good are never good.

He also said that when you buy an animal or a slave, you should recite:

اللَّهُمَّ قَدِّرْ لِي أَطْوَلَهَا حَيَاةً وَأَكْثَرَهَا مناعةً وَخَيْرَهَا عَاقِبَةً.

Translation: O Allah, destine for me its long lifespan and increase its benefits for me and make its end good.

It is narrated from the same Imam, in a good tradition, that when you go out to buy a quadruped, you should recite the following supplication three times:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كَانَتْ عَظِيمَةَ الْبَرَكَةِ فَاضِلَةَ الْمَنْفَعَةِ ميمونة الناصية فيسِّر لِي شرائها وَإِنْ كَانَتْ غَيْرَ ذَلِكَ فَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهَا إِلَى الَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ لِي مِنْهَا فإنَّك تَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ وَتَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ.

Translation: O Allah, if this beast is more blessed and more auspicious and it is also lucky, make its acquisition easy for me and if it is not so, show some other beast like it, which may be better for me, because You are knowing and wise and I am unaware and ignorant. You are powerful and I am helpless and you are well aware of all the unseen things.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that when you want to go out on some errand, you should go at a time when the sun has gone up so high that the redness of its rays is gone. Before departing, you should recite two units of prayer. In the first unit, after Surah al-Hamd, recite Surah at-Tawhid and in the second unit, after Surah al-Hamd recite Surah Kafiroon. After the prayer recite the following supplication:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي غَدَوْتُ التمس مِنْ فَضْلِكَ كَمَا أَمَرْتَنِي فَارْزُقْنِي مِنْ فَضْلِكَ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا وَاسِعًا حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَأَعْطِنِي فِيمَا رَزَقْتَنِي الْعَافِيَةَ. غَدَوْتُ بِحَوْلِ اللَّهِ وَقُوَّتِهِ. غَدَوْتُ بغير حول منّي ولا قوة ولكن بحولك وقُوَّتك واَبرَءُ إليك من الحَوْلِ والقُوَّة اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بَرَكَةَ هَذَا اليَوْمِ فَبَارِكْ لِي فِي جَمِيعِ أُمُورِي يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ وَصَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِهِ الطَّيِّبِينَ

Translation: O Allah, I saw the morning in the condition that I beg You according to Your order for Your grace. So, bestow on me from Your grace lawful sustenance in excess and bestow me that which may give complete relief. I began the day with the might and power of Allah and not with my power; on the contrary I know that the real might and power is in Allah only.

O Allah, today I beg You for blessings. O the most merciful of the merciful ones. Bless all my affairs and bless Muhammad and his purified progeny.

It is mentioned in Fiqhat Ar-Ridha’ that when you want to pack something for safekeeping, you should recite Ayat ul-Kursi on it and also write and place inside it. Also, write the following supplication with it:

وَجَعَلْنَا مِن بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ سَدًّا وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ سَدًّا فَأَغْشَيْنَاهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ

We have set a wall before them and another behind them and have closed the gap from above. They can think of nothing. (36:1)

لَا ضيعة على مَا حَفِظَ اللَّه

That thing cannot be lost, whose protector is Allah.

فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَقُلْ حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ ۖ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ

And if after this they do not see in the right direction, then say Allah is enough for me: Allah! There is no god, but He! I rely on Him and He is the Lord of the Great Throne. (9:129)

This will ensure the safety of that thing.

He also said: If your goods are damaged or destroyed, you should recite:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ وَابْنُ عَبْدِكَ وَابْنُ امَتِكَ وفي قبضتك نَاصِيَتِي بِيَدِكَ تَحْكُمُ فِي مَا تَشَاءُ وَتَفْعَلُ مَا تُرِيدُ اللَّهُمَّ فلك الْحَمْدُ عَلَى حُسْنِ قضاءك وبلاءك اللَّهُمَّ هو مالُكَ ورزقك وانا عبدك خَوَّلْتَنِي حِينَ رَزَقْتَنِي فَالْهِنِي شُكْرَكَ فيه وَالصَّبْرَ عَلَيْهِ حِينَ اصبتُ واخذت اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ أَعْطَيْتَ وَأَنْتَ اصبت اللَّهُمَّ لَا تحرمني ثوابه وَلَا تَنْسِنِي مِنْ خَلَفِهِ او في دنياي وآخرتي إِنَّكَ على ذلك قَادِرٌ اللَّهُمَّ انا لك وإليك ومنك لا املك لنفسي نَفْعًا وَلَا ضَرًّا.

Translation: O Allah, O Allah indeed 1 am Your servant and the son of Your servant and the son of Your maidservant; and I am in Your control. You may command what You like and You do what You intend. O Allah, Your decision and calamity from You is for the best.

O Allah, it was Your property and Your sustenance and I am Your servant. When You have bestowed it to me, You have made me its owner.

O Allah, now it is taken away from me and I am aggrieved due to it. Regarding it, bestow me good sense of patience and thankfulness. O Allah, You had given it to me and You have taken it. O Allah, do not deprive me of its reward and do not forget me in the world and the hereafter. There is no doubt that You are able to fulfil my need. O Allah, only You have created me and I am only Your servant and my requests are aimed at You only and Your are my hope in every need. 1 have not the least discretion upon my profit and loss.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that markets are the worst parts of land, and they are fields of Satan, where he pitches his flag every day and sits on his chair dispersing his progeny; so that they may instigate someone to under weigh and deceive someone to measure less and to incite someone to quote the wrong price.

Then he emphatically orders them that the group, whose father, Adam, is dead, you should pursue them properly and do not leave any deficiency in misleading them; I am your father, who is alive (and I was humiliated due to their father).

Thus, the first one to step into the market is accompanied by Satan and it leaves with one, who is last to leave. And the Masjids are the best parts of the earth and the one loved most by Allah is one, who is first to enter the Masjid and the last to leave it.

He said in another tradition that the most hated one by Allah is one, who is first to enter the market and the last to leave it.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that do not buy anything from one, whose business is failing, as there is no blessing in dealing with him.

Do not be friends with Kurds. They are a group of Jinns, who are disabled by Allah from becoming invisible.

It is mentioned in reliable traditions that you should not deal with persons, who are suffering from contagious diseases.

He said in another tradition that you should not have transactions with the neo-rich; you should deal with those, who have grown up in prosperity.

He said in another tradition that you should not have any deal with one, who is heedless in abusing others and in getting abused.

He said in another tradition that one, who deceives a believer, is out of our group. He also said that the Messenger of Allah (S) prohibited adulterating milk with water.

It is mentioned in a good tradition that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said to Hisham: You should not sell your goods under the roof and in shade, as their reality is not exposed and the buyer is cheated and cheating is not allowed.

He also said that one, who swears at the time of buying and also at the time of selling, Almighty Allah will not look at him with mercy on Judgment Day.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that one must never take an oath, because the gain made through an oath becomes lawful, but there is no divine increase in it.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that a person, who sells soon after buying will earn his sustenance and one, who refrains from selling with the intention to sell it when its price will increase, is accursed.

He also said that the group, which brings merchandise to sell should be allowed to enter the city and that you should not bargain outside the city. Also, residents of the city should not become middlemen for people of village. Almighty Allah supplies sustenance to some people through certain Muslims.

It is narrated in reliable tradition that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said to Ishaq Ibn Ammar that he should not become a moneychanger, because a moneychanger can never avoid interest; neither should he undertake selling of shroud cloths, because a shroud seller is eager for death of people and more the people die, more he is happy.

Neither should he sell barley and wheat as dealers of these cannot avoid hoarding. Neither should be taken up the profession of butcher, as one, who undertakes it, becomes hard hearted and a cruel person is away from divine mercy. Neither should he take up trading in slaves, because the worst is one, who sells human beings.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that I gave a slave to my aunt and forbid her to make him work as a butcher, cupper and goldsmith.

It is mentioned in other traditions that if the compensation of cupping is not fixed from before, there is no problem in this profession.

The profession of weaver is also condemned in some traditions.

It is mentioned in another tradition that a person asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) regarding the profession of teaching. He said that should they charge for it? He said that they read books of poems and treatises etc. Should I fix my compensation from before? He replied: There is no problem in it. But you should regard all children as equal and give same attention to all.

In another tradition, it is stated that the people complained that the group against the Imam considered the profession of teaching unlawful. The Imam replied that those enemies of God are liars.

They want the children of the people to remain in the dark about the Holy Qur’an and also, they should not be able to recite it. If a parent keeps his child under the care of a scholar, the scholar should accept it as a rightful means of earning; but he should not bargain in the beginning and accept whatever is offered to him happily.

It is narrated in another tradition that people said to the same Imam that Ahle Sunnat say that the profession of teaching is unlawful. He said: Those enemies of God are wrong. They want the children of the community not to read the Qur’an. If a person pays to a teacher to teach his child, it is absolutely lawful for him. But it is better that he should not bargain in the beginning. He should accept what the guardian of the child pays.

According to a reliable tradition, when one sells a Qur’an, one should sell it with the intention of selling for the sake of paper and binding and not for the script.

In authentic tradition, it is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that there is no problem in taking remuneration for inscribing the Qur’an.

According to another tradition, Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) stated that a person, who does not sleep the whole night thinking about ways of earning then that earning is not permissible for him. Many scholars have considered it as repulsive and non-permissible.

In many reliable traditions, it is narrated from the same Imam that those, who have surrendered himself to others on the pretext of employment, they have deprived themselves of the sustenance of God.

11. Excellence Of Farming

It is narrated from Ali Ibn Hamza that he saw Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) ploughing and sowing his own field, although even the legs of the Imam were sweating. He said: May I be sacrificed on you, where are the servants that you have to do this yourself? He replied: The Messenger of Allah (S), Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) and all my ancestors used to plough and sow their fields themselves. This is the profession of all prophets, their successors and the righteous persons from their nations.

In reliable traditions, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that Almighty Allah has liked ploughing and sowing for His prophets so that they may not detest it.

In another tradition, he said that the Almighty Allah kept the sustenance of the prophets in farming and in the udders of milch animals, so that they may not dislike even a drop of rain, which falls from the sky.

He said in another tradition that undertake farming and orchard sowing. By Allah, no one can undertake a profession, which is purer than this. By Allah, you will continue to follow this occupation even after the advent of Dajjal.

In reliable traditions, it is narrated from Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) that agriculture is the best profession, through which everyone - bad and good - gets sustenance. The difference is that whatever the righteous consume, their food seeks forgiveness on their behalf and the food of the wicked curses them. Also, many animals and birds get sustenance through farming.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that fanning is the greatest alchemy.

He said in another tradition that farmers are the treasurers of other people. They plough and sow the fields and Allah bestows them pure sustenance. On Judgment Day their position will be better than others and they will be considered among the proximate and will be named as blessed.

It is mentioned in another that the same Imam passed by some people, who were sowing the fields. He said: Go on sowing as the Almighty Allah can produce crops through wind, just He does so through water.

It is mentioned in reliable traditions that the same Imam passed by some people, who were ploughing the fields. He remarked: Go on ploughing as Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) used to personally plough the fields and the Messenger of Allah (S) used to moisten the saplings of date trees with his saliva and sow them and the plant used to grow up immediately.

It is mentioned in reliable traditions that Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) emancipated one thousand slaves during his lifetime through the income of his own work on agricultural farms.

It is narrated in a trustworthy tradition that Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) was carrying more than thirty bundles of fine date saplings. He was asked: What is this? He replied: If Allah wills, these are a thousand date trees. Then he sowed them in his orchard and all grew up and fructified. Not one of them failed to develop.

In reliable tradition, it is narrated from Abi Amr that I saw Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in coarse garments working on his fields with the spade. Sweat was dripping from the back of the Imam. I said: May I be sacrificed on you, please give me the spade, so that I may do this for you. He replied: I do not like that a person should not bear sunlight while earning his own sustenance.

In another reliable tradition, it is narrated from the same Imam that there are six things, whose benefit continues to reach the believer even after death: (1) a righteous son, who may seek forgiveness on his behalf (2) his Qur’an, which others may recite (3) the well, constructed by him (4) the tree planted by him (5) a stream dug at his behest (6) a good practice initiated by him, on which others continue to act.

In a good tradition, it is narrated from the same Imam that from all what a person leaves at the time of his death, he is not regretful about anything as he is about leaving behind his wealth. He should buy orchards, properties and houses.

He said in another tradition that one, who sells a property having water and does not purchase a similar property, the price that he received will be wasted and no one will be able to benefit from it.

12. Etiquette Of Farming And Agriculture

Through reliable chains of narrators, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when Adam (‘a) landed on the earth, he became needful for food and water. He complained to Jibra’il (‘a). He suggested that he should undertake farming. Adam (‘a) asked Jibra’il to teach him some supplication. He taught him the following:

اللّهُمَّ اكفني مؤونة الدنيا وكل هول دون الجنة وألبسني العافية حتى تهنئني المعيشة.

Translation: O Allah, be the provider of my daily needs in the world and give me relief from everything, except worry of Paradise and keep me secure from detestable things, so that the life of the world becomes nice for me.

In a good tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when you want to sow a field, take a handful of seeds, face the Qibla and recite three times:

أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تَحْرُثُونَ

“Have you considered what you sow?” (56:63).

أَأَنْتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُونَ

“Is it you that cause it to grow, or are We the causers of growth?” (56:64).

Then say once:

اللّهُمَّ اجعل حبا مباركا وارزقنا فيه السلامة

Translation: O Allah, make the seed blessed and bestow it with health.

Then sow the seeds you are holding.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that you should recite the following supplication at the time of sowing:

اللّهُمَّ قد بذرت وانت الزارع فاجعله حبا مباركا

Translation: O Allah, I have sown the seed, but You are the grower. Now, You make its ears grow up.

He said in another traditional report that at the time of planting the saplings and sowing the seeds, on whichever piece the following is recited, it will not be wasted, if Allah wills:

سبحان الباعث الوارث

Translation: Glorified be the one, Who raises after death and Who survives all.

He said in another traditional report that you should recite the following supplication at the time of sowing a tree or while fanning:

مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ

And a parable of a good word (being) like a good tree, whose root is firm and whose branches are in heaven. (14:24)

تُؤْتِي أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا

Yielding its fruit in every season by the permission of its Lord. (14:25)

It is narrated that Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) said: Take a handful of seeds, stand facing the Qibla and recite as follows:

أَأَنْتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُونَ

“Is it you that cause it to grow, or are We the causers of growth?” (56:64).

Then say:

اللّهُمَّ اجعله حرثًا مباركًا وارزقنا فيه السلامة والتَّمام واجعله حبا متراكبا ولا تحرمني خير ما ابتغي ولا تفتنّي بما متَّعتني بحقِّ محمد وآله الطيبين

Translation: O Allah, bless this crop for us and may we get full sustenance from it, with health. Convert these seeds into ears (shoots) and do not deprive me of the profit, I want from them. By the right of Muhammad and his purified progeny.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who wants that the date trees to grow well and fructify in excess, he should take small dried fish and half grind them and sprinkle them on each sapling and the remaining should be kept in a ritually purified bag and placed in the middle of the date tree.

In another tradition, it is narrated from the same Imam that you should never cut down date trees, lest divine chastisement descend upon you.

He said in another traditional report that cutting down the date tree is detestable. People inquired about cutting down of other trees. He replied that there was no problem in it. Then they asked about cutting down of the jujube plant. He said: It is not good to cut down jujube trees in the wild, as they are less over there; but there is no problem in cutting them down in habitations.

People asked Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) about the legality of cutting down the jujube tree. My respected father had got a jujube tree cut down and, in its place, had a grape plant sowed.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that there was no problem in throwing human excreta in agricultural fields.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that Isa (‘a) passed through a place, where the fruits had excessive worms. The people complained to Isa (‘a) about it. He said: At time of sowing the plants in pails, you must be putting the mud first and then water. You should first put the water and then the mud. They followed this advice and their fruits grew healthy.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who waters a jujube tree, it as divinely rewarding as giving water to a thirsty person when he is thirsty.

He also said that all the trees, which Allah has created were bearing edible fruits. When people adopted the dogma of son of God half the fruits disappeared; and the reason behind growth of thorns is that people adopted polytheism.

• 1. A kind of dove.