PURIFICATION (TAHARAH) by Abu Khadijah Damansari Embark on a transformative journey through the sacred teachings of "Purification (Taharah)," a profound guide catering to both novices and seasoned seekers of Islamic wisdom. This enlightening exploration delicately blends wisdom and compassion, unraveling the details in Islamic purification rituals to offer a transformative experience reaching beyond the physical realm to touch the essence of the soul. The foundational chapter establishes purification as the essence of genuine worship, paving the way for an authentic connection with the divine. Water, symbolizing the elixir of life, weaves through Islamic rituals with flexible purification methods for accessibility across diverse landscapes. Delve into realms of humility and respect, where gold and silver are forbidden in containers and utensils. Explore the transformative power of the humble Siwak (toothstick) and the holistic approach to well-being through meticulous personal hygiene. Embark on the rhythmic flow of Wudu (ablution), cleansing not only the body but also the heart, symbolically preparing the soul for prayer. Explore the practicality and flexibility of Islamic jurisprudence through the use of Khuff during ablution and gain awareness of minor ritual impurity and its prohibitions. Navigate the etiquettes of relieving oneself, discovering a blueprint for modesty, cleanliness, and gratitude in the most mundane aspects of life. Witness the profound rituals surrounding major impurity and the transformative power of the Ghusl, symbolizing spiritual rebirth. Understand the practicality of Tayammum, the symbolic use of earth for purification, emphasizing Islam's adaptability to diverse circumstances. Compassionate guidelines address female bleeding, upholding the sanctity of worship during various phases of reproductive life. Explore Islam's teachings on filth, extending beyond physical impurity to encompass unethical behavior and spiritual contamination. Recognize the call to uphold moral and ethical principles, fostering an Ummah where purity prevails. As the journey concludes, carry forth the profound lessons of purification. Every act, no matter how mundane, can be transformed into an act of worship through purity of intention and following specific ways. May the threads of purification continue to weave a tapestry of spiritual eminence, guiding towards a closeness to Allah that transcends the physical and encompasses the very essence of being.

“Intimate, big-hearted, compassionate and clear-eyed, Brafman’s novel turns secrets into truths and the truth into the heart of fiction.” —AMY BLOOM, author of Lucky Us and Away “From roots in one religious tradition, comes a tale of emotional redemption for all of us. Michelle Brafman’s astonishing compassion for all human frailty infuses this story about the need for truth and the promise of forgiveness.” —HELEN SIMONSON, author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand “Heartfelt and genuine, Washing the Dead never betrays the complicated truths of family and tradition.” — DAVID BEZMOZGIS, author of Natasha and Other Stories and The Betrayers “Like a Jewish Anne Lamott, Brafman reels you in with warmth, depth and heart.” —SUSAN COLL, author of The Stager and Acceptance Three generations of women confront family secrets in this exquisitely wrought debut novel that examines the experience of religious community, the perilous emotional path to adulthood, and the power of sacred rituals to repair damaged bonds between mothers and daughters. Michelle Brafman’s award-winning short stories and essays have appeared in the Washington Post, Slate, Tablet, Lilith Magazine, Bethesda Magazine and elsewhere. She teaches fiction writing at the Johns Hopkins University MA in Writing Program and lives in Glen Echo, Maryland with her husband and two children.

This book examines religious self-understanding in terms of the concept of purity.

In this translation of a portion of the fiqh section of the Futuhat al-Makkiyyah, at least two startling key issues emerge. Being startled, in itself, is the first key. And the second is the 'Arabic language' which means that language which the original audience of the Qur'an understood. Also startling are all the twists & turns, all the secrets & mysteries, all the bizarre & strange permutations of the original text. Although the translation is quite literal & over 300 pages, with careful reading special academic preparation is not necessary. This book is a spiritual & intellectual treat, & a great hope for a more authentic & deep Islamic discourse.