1. Advantages Of Brushing Teeth

According to many reliable traditions from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), brushing teeth is the practice (Sunna) of all Prophets. The Holy Prophet (S) used to say that Jibra’il emphasized so much on brushing the teeth that he dreaded that his teeth would wear off or fall.

In another tradition, he said that Jibra’il emphasized so much on brushing the teeth that I expected that it would become obligatory on my followers.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that there are twelve advantages of brushing teeth: (1) it is the practice of prophets (2) cleans the mouth (3) improves eyesight (4) earns God’s pleasure (5) removes phlegm (6) increases memory (7) teeth are whitened (8) reward of good deeds increases manifold (9) stops weakness and falling of teeth (10) strengthens roots of teeth (11) increases appetite in a healthy manner (12) angels are happy with all those who brush the teeth.

He said in another tradition that it improves eyesight and delays watering of eyes.

According to a tradition from the Messenger of Allah (S) he said to some people: Why do I see yellowness in the root of your teeth? Why don’t you brush the teeth?

According to a tradition from Imam Ali (‘a), the Holy Prophet (S) had advised people to brush teeth at the time of every prayer.

According to Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) and Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a), among practices of the Prophet Ibrahim (‘a), there are five things about the upper half of the body and five about the lower part. Those concerned with head are: (1) to brush teeth (2) trimming of moustache (3) parting the hair (4) gargling (5) rinsing the nostrils.

The five things recommended about the lower part of the body are: (1) removing unwanted hair (2) circumcision (3) trimming nails (4) ritual bath after sex (5) to purify with water after urination.

According to another traditional report, the issues regarding the head are as follows: (1) trimming moustaches (2) trimming the beard (3) shaving the head (4) brushing teeth (5) picking teeth.

The issues regarding the body are as follows: (1) removing unwanted hair (2) circumcision (3) trimming of nails (4) ritual bath after sex (5) washing with water after urination.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that if there was no concern about the hardship of the Ummah, I would have made it obligatory to brush the teeth before every obligatory prayer.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), when one gets up for Midnight (Shab) Prayer, one should brush the teeth as an angel descends from heaven and keeps his mouth on one’s mouth and whatever one is reciting; Qur’an, prayers or Durood, he takes it to heaven. Therefore, it is necessary that one’s mouth should be smelling good.

Ali Ibn Ja’far asked his brother, Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) whether a person, who wakes up for Midnight (Shab) Prayer, and if he is unable to brush his teeth, can he clean his teeth with only his finger? The Imam replied: He can do this if there is risk of the rising of dawn.

It is mentioned in another tradition that two years before his passing away, Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) had stopped brushing, because his teeth had weakened a great deal.

According to Holy Prophet (S), three things sharpen memory and cure all pains: chewing mastic (kundar), brushing teeth and reading the Qur’an.

It is mentioned in another tradition that there are four practices of prophets: (1) smelling perfume (2) sexual intercourse (3) brushing teeth (4) dyeing hair with henna.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that the holy Kaaba complained to Almighty Allah about foul smell of the disbelievers. Allah revealed to it: I will in their stead, send to you such people, who would brush their teeth with twigs. So, when the Messenger of Allah (S) got prophethood, Jibra’il brought the twig and toothpick for him.

It is mentioned in reliable tradition that a person asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) about brushing teeth after ablution. The Imam said: Teeth should be brushed before ablution and if someone performs the ablution first forgetfully, he can brush the teeth later on; but he must gargle three times after brushing the teeth.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that if a person brushes the teeth along with ablution and then stands up for prayer, an angel will come and place the mouth upon his mouth and will record all what comes out from his mouth; and if he has not brushed the teeth, the angel will stand away and listen to the recitation.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that two units’ prayer after brushing teeth is better than seventy units of prayer, without brushing.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one should gargle after brushing the teeth.

It is narrated in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) used to brush the teeth from side to side.

Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) and Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) said that brushing the teeth in a toilet creates mouth odour.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that brushing teeth in the bathroom causes the teeth to fall off. He also said that you must never give up brushing of teeth, even though it might be once in three days.

2. Etiquette And Advantages Of Shaving The Head

It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that if one gets used to three things, he is never able to give it up. (1) shaving of head (2) wearing short clothes (3) having sex with slave girls.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that one should shave off one’s head so that it may be clean and free of lice. Besides, it strengthens one’s neck and enhances eyesight and the body relaxes and also said that he shaves the head every Friday.

He said in another tradition that shaving the rear part of the head removes grief. According to a tradition from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a), when hair get long, the eyes get weak and dim and when the hair is trimmed, the brightness of eyes increases. (This applies to men).

It is mentioned in Fiqhat Ar-Ridha’ that when you go to a barber, you should sit facing the Qibla and the barber should start from the forehead and move up to the sides of the head and then continue with the rest and when the haircut begins, the following supplication must be recited:

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَبِاللهِ وَعَلَى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللهِ وسُنَّتِهِ حنيفاً مسلماً وما انا من المشركين اَللَّهُمَّ أعطني بكل شعرة نوراً ساطعاً يوم القيامة

Translation: In the name of Allah and in His name, I trust and the practice of Allah’s Apostle I follow and I am firm upon it with sincerity and I am not from the polytheists. O Allah, instead of each strand of hair bestow effulgence to me on Judgment Day.

After the dressing, recite as follows:

اللهم زيّنّي بالتقوى وجنّبني الرّدى وجنِّب شعري وبشري المعاصي وجميع ما تكره مني فانّي لا املك لنفسي نفعاً ولا ضرّاً.

Translation: O Allah, embellish me with piety and save me from destruction. Keep my hair and face secure from sin and from all, which You dislike, because I am not capable on my profit and loss.

It is mentioned in another report that the following supplication must be recited at the beginning of hair dressing:

بسم الله وبالله وعلى ملة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله اللهم أعطني بكل شعرة نوراً يوم القيامة

Translation: In the name of Allah and in His name I trust and the practice of Allah’s Apostle I follow and I am firm upon it with sincerity and I am not from the polytheists. O Allah, instead of each strand of hair bestow effulgence to me on Judgment Day.

And recite the following after the process:

اللّٰهُمَّ زَيِّنِّيْ بِالتَّقْوٰى وَجَنِّبْنِي الرَّدى.

Translation: O Allah embellish me with piety and save me from destruction.

3. Etiquette Of Maintaining Hair For Ladies And Gents

It is not permitted for ladies to cut or shave hair without any reason; and both are recommended for males. They have a choice of either shaving them or sporting and maintaining them: that is to wash and comb them and part them from the front.

However, shaving the head is best, because in the beginning of Islam, shaving of head was regarded as something very bad. And the Prophet and Imam should not do anything, which is bad in the view of people; therefore, the Holy Prophet (S) used to maintain two inches long hair and he shaved them at the time of Hajj and Umrah.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in a reliable tradition that one, who wishes to keep long hair, should maintain them well; otherwise, he should shave them off or keep them close cropped.

It is mentioned in many traditions that people asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) whether the Messenger of Allah (S) used to part his hair often? He said: The Prophet had his hair so long that this was not needed. The ends of his hair reached to his earlobes. No other prophet sported hair.

Another reliable tradition states that a person, who will not part his hair when he has kept them long, his head will be opened on Judgment Day with a cutter of fire.

It is mentioned in tradition that the Holy Prophet (S) prohibited a woman, who has physically matured to gather her hair in front or at the sides and knot them and hang them in front like men.

It is mentioned in another tradition that the Holy Prophet (S) prohibited women from braiding the hair, making bun at the forehead and making tattoos. And he said that Bani Israel women were destroyed for these last two things only. Making tattoos or sketches with henna was customary among Arab women.

It is mentioned in another tradition that people asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) what was the order regarding the woman, who gets her front hair trimmed to the skin, gets them plucked, gets her facial hair plucked, or braids ribbon in the braid. The Imam said: There is no problem.

Two other traditions state that there is no harm in making an addition (something to tie a plait) from the hair of one’s own hair or that of an animal, but the hair of other women should not be mixed with one’s own. One should be careful to take off the addition of animal’s hair from one’s hair before prayer, as prayer is not allowed with it. But if it is of the hair of permissible animals, then its usage even during prayers is not prohibited.

4. Advantages Of Trimming The Moustache

Trimming the moustache is emphasized recommendation (sunnah). It is better to cut them sharply and according to the tradition of the Holy Prophet (S), if one allows the moustache to grow long, one is succumbing to Satan.

According to a tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), trimming moustache decreases grief and Satanic instigations and one, who does this, is also following the practice of the Holy Prophet (S).

The Messenger of Allah (S) said that it is recommended to trim the moustache till they are above the upper lip.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) used to cut his moustache till the root of the hair and also stated that cutting of nails on Friday prevents dandruff from that Friday to next.

It is mentioned in another tradition that a person asked him to teach a supplication that would increase income. The Imam said: Get your moustache and nails trimmed on Friday.

Another tradition from the same Imam states that if a person cuts his moustache and nails on Friday during which he recites the following supplication:

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَبِاللّٰهِ وَعَلٰى سُنَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ

Translation: In the name of Allah, I trust Allah and follow the practice of Muhammad and Progeny of Muhammad.

God will give him the reward of freeing as many slaves from the children of Isma’il as many segments there are of the nails and hair; and except the illness of death, he will not suffer from any other illness.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that one, who gets his moustache and nails trimmed every Wednesday and Thursday, would remain secure from the malady of teeth and eyes.

He said in another tradition that you must trim your moustache till the roots of hair and allow the beard to grow as long as would become clear from the tradition: Do not make yourself to resemble Jews and Fire worshippers (Majlis).

He also said: One, who does not trim the moustache, is not from us.

5. Etiquette Of Beard

It should be remembered that keeping a beard of normal length is recommended. It should be neither long nor very short. But it is abominable to have one’s beard longer than the length of a closed fist. It is even considered unlawful.

It is popularly accepted among scholars that except the hair on cheeks and below the lower lip, to shave the beard on both sides is unlawful; and it should preferably be cut in a manner that it does not resemble a shave.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) the beard exceeding the length of a fist is in Hellfire.

Another tradition states that one should keep one’s hand on the beard and the part of beard exceeding the fist, should be cut off.

Muhammad Ibn Muslim narrates that I saw a barber dressing Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a). The Imam asked him to level the beard.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the Holy Prophet (S) passed by a person with a long beard. The Prophet remarked: How nice it would have been, if this man had trimmed and combed his beard. When he learnt of this, he trimmed his beard to medium length and came to meet the Prophet. The Prophet said: All of you should sport such beards.

It is mentioned in a reliable tradition that Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) used to maintain light temple hair and also shaved the hair of neck.

It is mentioned in another tradition that the Imam used to keep a thin beard and did not sport thick hair.

Ali, the son of Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) asked his respected brother, Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) how one should trim a thick beard? He replied: You must trim some from the sides and some from the front.

It is mentioned in another tradition that Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) said: In the ancient age, some people used to shave their beard and twist the moustaches. The result was that the Almighty Allah transmogrified them.

A tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) states that when God accepted Adam’s repentance, he prostrated for thanksgiving and while getting up, looked towards the sky and prayed for increase in his elegance. A little while later a dark and thick beard grew on his face. He had no beard before it and when he inquired from God about it, He revealed that it was an embellishment for him and his male offspring till Judgment Day.

6. The Grace Of White Hair And Prohibition Of Plucking Them

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that before the time of Prophet Ibrahim (‘a) the hair and beard did not turn grey; and often if a stranger came to a group in which father and son were present, he could not distinguish between the father and the son. He had to ask which of them was the father and which was the son. Ibrahim (‘a) prayed: O Allah, make my hair grey, so that I may be distinguished from my sons. His beard and hair turned grey.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the first one, in whose beard a strand turned grey, was Prophet Ibrahim (‘a). When he saw a strand of grey in his beard, he asked: O Allah, what is this? It was revealed that it was the cause of dignity of man. He said: O Allah, increase my dignity.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that when Prophet Ibrahim (‘a) saw grey strands of hair in his beard, he said: That God is worthy of praise and thanks, Who made me attain this age and bestowed such grace to me that I did not disobey him even for a moment.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that you should not pluck grey hair as it is the effulgence of Islam and the Muslim, in whose beard is present a single grey hair, there would be effulgence for him on Judgment Day.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the Almighty Allah will not speak, or look with mercy or like the deeds of three kinds of persons; on the contrary, He would prepare a painful chastisement for them: (1) one, who plucks grey strands of his hair. (2) one, who masturbates (3) one, who commits anal intercourse.

And it is not unlikely that the first part of this might imply that there is some bad intention in getting the grey hair plucked, as they are blessed hair.

It is mentioned in authentic tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that there is no harm in plucking or trimming white hair; but I prefer trimming to plucking.

From the same Imam, it is mentioned in another tradition that there is no problem in trimming or plucking.

In another tradition, Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) suggested trimming of white hair and ruled plucking to be detestable (Makruh).

The command of the Holy Prophet (S) is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) as follows: White hair on forehead is cause of divine bounties, in beard they are signs of generosity, in the tresses they are sign of valour and at the back of the head they cause ill-luck. Apparently, it seems that these signs will be true when the white begins from there.

7. Order Of Trimming Nasal Hair And Prohibition Of Playing With Beard

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in a reliable tradition that every person should trim the moustache and nasal hair; and he should maintain his good looks as it causes elegance.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that cutting the hair beautifies the face.

According to Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a), there are four things, which are temptations from Shaitan: Eating mud, to crumble mud or sand while sitting idle, chewing nails and beard.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) states that one should not stroke the beard too often, as it is a bad habit and disfigures the beard.

8. Excellence Of Trimming The Nails

According to the Holy Prophet (S), trimming nails keeps away many diseases and increases one’s sustenance.

Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) explained that men are ordered to trim the nails as Satan gets a chance to spread filth and it also causes forgetfulness.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that trimming the nails is emphasized recommendation.

Another tradition states that the Holy Prophet (S) ordered men to cut the nail near to the flesh and women were ordered to leave a little, as it is a source of beautification for them.

It is mentioned in another report that when divine revelation did come to the Holy Prophet (S) for some time, people asked its reason. He replied: How can divine revelation descend when you do not trim your nails and remove dirt from your fingers.

9. Manner And Timings Of Trimming Nails

A tradition states that the Holy Prophet (S) prohibited chewing the nails.

According to a good tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), trimming the nails on Friday keeps one safe from dandruff, leprosy and blindness. Even if there is no need to cut nails, one should file them a little, so few particles may fall off.

Another tradition states that trimming nails and moustaches every Friday, and also washing hair with marshmallow leaves increases one’s income.

It is mentioned in another tradition that people told the Imam that they heard that supplication and post prayer recitation after morning prayers until sun rises, is better than hunting for one’s daily bread from one city to another.

The Imam asked whether he could show something more satisfactory for increasing income. When they replied in affirmative, the Imam said that one should trim one’s nails and moustaches every Friday and even if the nails are not long enough to be cut, one should file them a little every Friday.

Another tradition states that Imam Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) saw a person suffering from an acute eye-disease. The Imam asked him if he would like to know something, which will alleviate pain in eyes. When the person replied in affirmative, the Imam asked him to trim his nails on Thursday. When he did that, he never complained of eye ache again.

According to a tradition, trims the nails on Thursday starting from the left hand and end on the little finger of right hand.

Another tradition states that when a person trims all his nails except one on a Thursday and trims that one on Friday, God will keep him safe from sore eyes.

It is mentioned in a tradition that trims nails on Thursday starting from the left hand and ends on the little finger of right hand, he would be secure from sore eye.

It is likely that the gist of these traditions is that on Wednesday it is better to begin with the small finger of the right hand and on Thursday from the small fingers of both hands. And on Friday and other days, from the little finger of the left hand and then to end with the small finger of the left hand on Wednesday.

According to Ali Ibn Babawayh if at all times, one begins with the small finger of the left hand and ends at the small finger of the right hand, there is no problem in it.

It is mentioned in another tradition that one, who trims his nails on Thursday and leaves one nail for Friday, the Almighty Allah will remove his worries.

Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) says that nails should be trimmed on Tuesday.

According to a reliable tradition from the Holy Prophet (S), a person who trims the nails on a Friday, God takes away all his pains from his body pores and fills it with health and a person who trims the nails or moustaches on Thursday or Saturday is always safe from diseases of eyes and teeth.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that trimming nails on Friday removes all the diseases and trimming them on Thursday increases sustenance.

Another tradition states that people said to Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that there is a saying that nails should be trimmed only on a Friday. The Imam replied that it was perfectly all right to trim nails on Friday, but as previous traditions state that if nails grow long, one should not wait for a Friday to trim them.

It narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that if one trims the nails on Friday, one’s children will never have eye complaint and if he wants to be benefited by both Thursday and Friday, he should trim all his nails on Thursday and keep one for Friday or trim all on Thursday and file them on a Friday so that a few of particles may fall off.

One should recite the following supplication while cutting nails:

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَبِاللّٰهِ وَعَلٰى سُنَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ

Translation: In the name of Allah, I trust Allah and I follow the practice of Muhammad and Progeny of Muhammad.

This same tradition had been mentioned about trimming of moustache as well and the view of common people that one should begin with the index finger when trimming the nails of the right, then the small finger, then the thumb, then middle finger, then the remaining finger.

And in trimming the nails of the left hand, you should first take the thumb, then middle finger, then the second last finger, then the index finger: this sequence has come in Ahle Sunnat traditions and what we mentioned before is as per Shi’a traditions and it is better to act on them.

10. Burying The Hair, Nails And Other Things, Which Are Supposed To Be Buried

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that it is mentioned in the exegesis of the verses:

أَلَمْ نَجْعَلِ الْأَرْضَ كِفَاتًا

“Have We not made the earth to draw together to itself” (77:25)

أَحْيَاءً وَأَمْوَاتًا

“The living and the dead?” (77:26)

...that it implies burying the hair and nails.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) in a reliable tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) commanded us to bury four things: Hair, teeth, nails and blood.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that when the following seven things are separated from the body, they should be buried immediately: Hair, nails, blood, menses blood, umbilical cord, teeth and clot.

11. Excellence Of Combing Hair And Beard

A reliable tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) says that wearing good clothes degrades the enemy; oiling the body relaxes mental tension and worries and combing the hair strengthens the teeth.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that combing hair and beard dispels fever, improves earning and increases virility.

It is reported from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that combing the hair wards off twenty types of diseases and many types of pains.

He said in another tradition that there is increase in livelihood, needs are fulfilled, back is strengthened and phlegm is removed.

It is mentioned in a traditional report that it increases progeny.

He also said in another tradition that combing on the cheeks strengthens teeth and combing the beard downwards, removes plague and combing hair wards off Satanic instigation and phlegm is removed.

12. Timings And Manner Of Combing And Types Of Combs

According to a reliable tradition, Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) used to keep a comb in the prayer mat and comb his hair after the prayers.

According to Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a), the verse:

خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِنْدَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ

“Attend to your embellishments at every time of prayer” (7:31).

...implies combing one’s hair before prayers.

In another tradition, Imam has stated that when you have combed your head and beard, comb the hair on the chest as it keeps away sorrow and illness.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who counts and combs his beard seventy times, Satan does not come near him for forty days.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) prohibits combing in the bathroom, as it weakens the hair.

He said in another tradition that one, who intends to comb, he should continue sitting in the same position he is. He should take the comb in the right hand and place it on the head and first move to the front of the head and recite the following supplication:

اللّٰهُمَّ حَسِّنْ شَعْري وَبَشَري وَطَيِّبْهُمَا وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّي الوَبَاءَ

Translation: O Allah, make my hair and face elegant and pure and remove plague from me.

After that comb the rear of the head and recite:

اللّٰهُمَّ لَا تَرُدَّنِي عَلٰى عَقبي وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّي كَيْدَ الشَّيْطَانِ وَلَا تُمَكِّنْهُ مِنْ قِيَادِي فَيُرَدّنِي عَلٰى عقبي

Translation: O Allah, do not make me turn back on my heels and remove the deceit of Satan from me and don’t give me under his control that he should make me an apostate.

After that pass the comb on both the eyebrows and recite:

اللهُمَّ زَيِّنِّي بِزِينَةِ الْهُدَى

Translation: O Allah, embellish me with the elegance of guidance.

Then comb the beard downwards and then rub the comb on the chest and say:

اللّٰهُمَّ سَرِّحْ عَنِّي الغموم والهموم والهموم ووحشة الصُّدُورِ وَوَسْوَسَةَ الشَّيْطَانِ

Translation: O Allah, remove my past and future grief, mental worry and Satanic doubts.

After that comb the beard upwards, reciting Surah al-Qadr .

It is mentioned in a traditional report that when one has to comb the beard, one should comb upwards forty times all time reciting Surah al-Qadr . Then comb downwards seven times reciting Surah Adiyat. Then recite the supplication mentioned above.

It is stated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that a person, who combs the hair, beard and chest seven times, no malady will trouble him.

It is stated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that one should not comb while standing, but one should sit while combing, for the former weakens the heart and the latter strengthens it and thickens the epidermis of the body.

It is mentioned in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) used to comb with water- that is he made the comb wet and combed.

It is mentioned in another tradition that the following supplication must be recited while combing the beard:

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَالْبِسْنِي جَمَالًا فِي خَلْقِكَ وَزِينَةً فِي عِبَادَتِكَ وَحُسْنَ شَعْرِي وَبَشَرِي وَلَا تَبْتَلِينِي بِالنِّفَاقِ وَارْزُقْنِي المهابة بَيْنَ بَرِيَّتِكَ وَالرَّحْمَةَ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ.

Translation: O Allah, bless Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad. And bestow me with elegance among Your servants and beauty among Your creatures and make my hair and face beautiful. My steps should not shake with hypocrisy, O the most merciful of the merciful ones. Endow me with awe and respect among Your creatures.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), a person, who combs while standing will be involved in debts.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that combing in the standing position causes worries and poverty.

It is mentioned in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) used to comb his beard upwards forty times and downwards, seven times and remarked that this increases income and removes phlegm.

It is narrated from Qasim Ibn Walid that someone asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) regarding the rule if the comb rack and oil cup is made of elephant bone. He replied: There is no problem in it.

It is narrated from Hasan Ibn Asim that 1 went to meet Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) and saw that the Imam was holding an ivory comb. I asked: May I be sacrificed on You, some scholars of Iraq do not regard it lawful to comb with ivory comb. He asked: Why? My father had one or two ivory combs. Then he said: You must use ivory comb as it cures fever.

It is mentioned in many traditions that the Holy Imams (‘a) used ivory combs.

A tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) states that the use of comb made of silver or etched with silver is detestable (Makruh).