Bathing is the complete washing of the entire body. As Islam encourages one to be in a constant state of cleanliness, it goes without saying that bathing should be part of a Muslim’s daily hygiene. Allah states in the Holy Qur’an: If you are a convert to Islam, your next of kin may be Christian, or some other faith. As your body will legally belong to them after your death, you should discuss with them your wishes for funereal service and burial arrangements. It would be advisable to document your instructions for removal and disposition of your body, and provide your relatives and the Ahmadiyya Community with a copy. Also you should have funds earmarked for these purposes. Your relatives should also be made aware that your estate would be divided according to the laws of the Holy Qur’an (4:8-13). This requires a legally binding Islamic will. As you come to this chapter, you are already aware of the rights and responsibilities that Islam has given to women. This chapter describes some Islamic practices which Muslim women incorporate into daily life to fulfill those responsibilities. Some of the topics discussed are basic etiquettes, dietary laws, hygienic practices, the practice of hijab in daily life and the observance of Muslim holidays and festivals.

While preserved by storytellers of the Arab world, many tales about heroic, powerful and memorable Muslims have become somewhat mythic in Middle Eastern culture, where stories about women often portray them as damsels that are dependant on men. Violence and romance are intertwined in the narratives of these trailblazing Muslim women, who were renowned warriors, fighters and leaders. Challenging gender roles and Orientalist perceptions while highlighting the rich diversity of Islamic history, professor of Arabic and expert in medieval Arab culture Remke Kruk memorialises these enlightening stories for a western audience. 'Women of Sufism' by Camille Adams Helminski Women Of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure by Camille Adams Helminski. Courtesy Penguin Random House While you may perform ablution before every prayer, it becomes necessary only after using the restroom, after vomiting or bleeding occurs and after one has been asleep. Acquiring the habit of wudhu not only fulfills the religious injunction, it also helps you maintain habitual cleanliness and self discipline. Courtesy and good behavior are a very important part of the Islamic way of life. The Holy Qur’an says: Paying attention to the five daily prayers, memorizing them in Arabic and with translation, reading and understanding the Holy Qur’an, memorizing and practicing hadith.Seek exaltation in the sight of Allah through courtesy towards one who behaves churlishly towards you and through bestowing favors upon him who deprives you of that which is due you. Allah desires not to put you in a difficulty: but desires to purify you and complete His favors unto you that you may prosper.” (Holy Qur’an, 5:7) In Chapter 1, the Islamic prayer or salaat was discussed. Salaat is offered five times daily, at the appointed times of Fajr (at dawn); Zuhr (after midday); Asr (late afternoon); Maghrib (after the sun sets) and Isha (at night). Observing these prayers is the most important activity of a Muslim’s day. There is no vessel worse for a person to fill than his stomach. A few mouthfuls should suffice to keep him on his feet. But if he must eat more, then let him fill one-third of his stomach with food, one-third with drink and leave one-third for easy breathing.

The term “ halal” means “that which is lawful for you”; thus halal meat is that which has been slaughtered in the name of Allah, and has had the blood drained out from it. The term “haram” means that which is unlawful for you, and includes blood, pork and alcohol. Allah has further commanded that you eat only what is “tayyab,” that is, food that is good and wholesome. Something may be halal, but it may not be tayyab, and thus should be avoided. Islam teaches that the condition of the body affects the condition of the spirit, and thus great care should be taken to keep one’s body healthy and fit. Islam further teaches that all food should be taken in moderation, and nothing should be indulged into excess. If no water is available, clean dust may be substituted. The hands are passed over the dust, and then passed over face and arms. This is called “ tayyumum.” The Ahmadiyya Movement holds many functions, on the national, regional and local scale. Not only do these gatherings, known as jalsa and ijtemah, provide great moral and spiritual uplift, they also give members the opportunity to meet old and new friends. Some days that are especially celebrated are Seeratun – Nabi Day (celebration of the exemplary character of the Holy Prophet), Masih Mauood Day (Promised Messiah Day), Musleh Mauood Day (celebration of the Promised Son) and Khilafat Day (to celebrate Allah’s mercy in providing the blessings of Khilafat). Another celebration is that of Religious Founders’ Day, where people of other faiths are invited to talk about their religion and its founder. Muslim Women's Day, which falls on Saturday, March 27 , was founded to help amplify Muslim women's voices in the media, and what better way to celebrate the occasion than shedding light on their courageous contributions to the most traditional form of media – books? Another hygienic practice promoted by Islam is the washing of the private parts of the body after using the toilet. Water is used to clean these areas, and only the left hand should be used for this purpose. The use of water aids in the removal of bacteria from the body and thus helps to prevent infection. Hands, of course, should be thoroughly washed after the process.The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) advised his followers that offering the required prayers at their proper times is especially pleasing to Allah. He further instructed that recitation of the Holy Qur’an after Fajr prayer every morning is also pleasing to Him, even if only a few verses are read. Some sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) concerning prayer are: However Islamic worship is not limited to salaat alone, for the need to communicate with one’s Creator arises constantly during the day. This need is fulfilled by reciting prayers and remembrance of Allah (Zikre Illahi) at any time. The Holy Qur’an contains many short prayers for all kinds of situations, and the prayers used by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) are well documented. You will find several Arabic expressions used for the remembrance of Allah in Chapter 5.

In Chapter 2, Women’s Issues, you have already come across the explanation of hijab or purdah. Once again, Islam stresses the relationship between body and mind. The wearing of the outer garments and veiling of the body leads to veiling of the heart and shielding it from impure thoughts. Lajna Imaillah, which means “maidservants of Allah,” tries to follow the example of these women, and encourages its members to do good works. By attending the meetings of your local chapter and joining in their activities, you will come to feel part of this sisterhood of Muslim women. Many Ahmadi women in the United States are from Pakistan, and many of them do not speak English well. Although they may not be able to verbally communicate with you very well, be assured that in their hearts they regard you as their Muslim sister. So greet them warmly at Lajna meetings and you will find that cultural and language barriers gradually melt away. Be aware also that some social customs you encounter are cultural and not religious. The Holy Qur’an and Hadith clearly define Islamic law, so it is not essential to slavishly follow someone else’s culture. The most important aspect of good hygiene is cleanliness. In accordance with the Islamic belief that the condition of the body affects the mind, physical cleanliness is essential for spiritual well-being. Allah says: The nostrils are cleaned three times by snuffing a little water into them and blowing the nose if necessary. The end of the Holy month of Ramadhan is marked by the festival of Eid ul Fitr. This joyous day is celebrated to give thanks for the blessings of Ramadhan. Muslims attend the congregational Eid prayer service which is held in the morning, and then spend the rest of the day exchanging greetings and gifts with family and friends. They wear new clothing, cook delicious food and invite friends and neighbors to celebrate with them. Fasting during Ramadhan inspires sympathy for the hungry and needy, and encourages Muslims to donate generously to the poor.He who is desires that Allah should accept his prayers when is distressed and hard-pressed, should pray constantly when he is at ease. O ye who believe, eat of the good things We have provided for you, and render thanks to Allah, if it is He Whom you worship. When Muslims practice Islamic hygiene in the correct manner, they benefit in two ways: their outward purity helps them achieve inner purity, and the whole society benefits because many health hazards can be avoided.

Most Muslim rulers throughout history have been men, but anthropologist and former director of the women’s, gender and sexuality studies programme at Boston University, Shahla Haeri, sheds light on the many women who held positions of power in various eras and empires – from one of the Prophet Mohammed’s wives Aisha bint Abi Bakr, who famously led the Battle of the Camel in 656, to Pakistan’s only female prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in 2007. Haeri also offers an analysis of the mythic Queen of Sheba, who is referenced in the Quran as a powerful ruler, and has served as a symbol of political perseverance for Muslim women throughout time. 'A History of Islam in 21 Women' by Hossein Kamaly A History of Islam in 21 Women by Hossein Kamaly published by Oneworld Publications. Courtesy Simon & Schuster Beg of Allah all that you stand in need of, even the salt you need or the shoelace that has snapped. All religions have their own special days of worship, celebrations, rituals and observances. Islamic festivals and ceremonies are also distinct ways of glorifying Allah and sharing the joy that flow from the blessings of being the “best people” who are guided to the true faith.

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Friday Prayer Service (Juma)Friday is the holy day for Muslim worship, with a congregational service held at the time of Zuhr prayer. The Imam delivers a sermon ( khutba), and then the Zuhr prayer is offered in congregation. This is known as Juma prayer. Attendance is obligatory for Muslim men, and women should attend whenever they are able to as the blessings received for attending are very great. At a particular moment during the service, angels come near to the worshipers and they ask Allah to especially bless the faithful who are present in the congregation. This festival comes about ten weeks after Eid ul Fitr, and marks the completion of Hajj (Holy pilgrimage to Mecca). It is the festival of Sacrifice, commemorating the time when the Prophet Abraham (peace be on him) was ready to sacrifice his son, Ishmael (peace be on him) for the sake of Allah. As a result of Abraham’s willing obedience, Allah did not permit Ishmael to be sacrificed, and an animal was substituted instead. It is their obedience to Allah that is celebrated by Muslims the world over. On this Eid, those that can afford it sacrifice an animal and share the meat among families, neighbors and the poor. When in doubt, try and keep your heart, thoughts and sight firmly focused on seeking refuge in Allah with patience and trust. Allah revealed in the Holy Qur’an that He answers the prayers of believers (see Holy Qur’an, 2:187). Even when the way is dark and dreary, and you are not making the progress you hoped for, do not even think of giving up! Concentrate your efforts on self-improvement, and beg Allah’s help. When you begin to eat, pronounce the name of Allah the Exalted. If you forget in the beginning, say “In the name of Allah first and last.”