Ashr min al-Khisal lil-Bahithat an al-Jamal
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- Ashr min al-Khisal lil-Bahithat an al-Jamal
Ashr min al-Khisal lil-Bahithat an al-Jamal (Ten Qualities for Women Seeking Beauty) is an Islamic ethical and guidance treatise authored by Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Amari, a preacher with the Da‘wah and Guidance department in Mecca . The book outlines ten lawful, accessible, and modest practices through which women can achieve physical and spiritual beauty within Islamic guidelines, serving as an alternative to prohibited trends and excessive expense .
Purpose and Approach
The author states that the love of beauty is an innate human inclination (fitrah) . However, he warns against deceptive modern fashions that lead women toward unveiling, tight or sheer clothing, and the alteration of God's creation . To provide a lawful alternative requiring minimal financial expense, the author compiled ten traits suitable for both wealthy and poor women .
The work is composed in rhyming prose (saj‘) and substantiates each quality using Quranic verses, prophetic traditions with source references, classical Arabic poetry, and statements from early figures such as Sa'id ibn Jubayr, Ibn al-Qayyim, and Abdullah ibn Ja'far .
Contents
The treatise is organized around ten primary qualities:
- Cleanliness of the body and clothing (al-Nazafah fi al-badan wal-thiyab): Emphasizing hygiene, regular practice of the natural dispositions (khisal al-fitrah) such as clipping nails and removing armpit and pubic hair, and the frequent use of the toothstick (siwak) or modern toothbrush and paste on the teeth, gums, and tongue .
- Bathing (al-Ightisal): Frequent washing with pure water, cited as the finest and most essential base of fragrance and purification .
- Hair care (Italat al-sha'r): Growing long hair, combing it, parting it, and maintaining it with oils and pleasant scents, while discouraging unnecessary hair-cutting .
- Modest dress (al-Libas): Wearing proper, covering clothing and avoiding garments that are transparent or form-fitting, referencing the prophetic warning regarding women who are "clothed yet naked" .
- Kohl (al-Kuhl): Applying kohl to the eyes as an enhancement of facial beauty and eye health .
- Henna (al-Khidab): Dyeing the hands and feet with henna, described as the primary traditional adornment of the hands .
- Perfume (al-Tib): Using fine scents and fragrant oils .
- Jewelry (al-Huly): Wearing ornaments such as necklaces, bracelets, wristwatches, finger rings (khatim and fatkha), and earrings (qurt) to complement physical grace .
- Good character (Husn al-khuluq): Cultivating noble morals, gentleness, and refined manners, which the author describes as rendering even a plain countenance attractive .
- Chastity (al-Iffah): Guarding oneself against unlawful matters and remaining heedless of sin, presented as the crowning virtue of inner and outer beauty .
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