Lifestyle and Medicine

Although the Qur’an prescribes no specific ḥadd punishment for unveiling, it is considered a form of corruption and carries a severe penalty because of its grave consequences and the seriousness with which God regards it. This major sin is the root of many other sins and, in itself, encompasses a range of offences.

A programme for a forty-day spiritual retreat while remaining with one’s family and engaged in society includes a daily review of one’s deeds, reciting prayers for forgiveness, completing the Qur’an and the Ṣaḥīfa Sajjādiyya, reflecting on the Fifteen Whispered Prayers, performing the night prayer, giving charity each day and night, and caring for those in need.

According to a saying of the Commander of the Faithful, taking on many different and scattered pursuits prevents one’s plans and efforts from bearing fruit. The priority should be to focus on a single line of work, while trusting in God and knowing that He is the Provider. Other work may be taken on only if it does not undermine the first undertaking and if one respects the mind’s limited capacity. Otherwise, one’s mental energy is divided, and all one’s efforts come to nothing.

Sleep quality can be improved by caring for both body and soul, following a balanced diet, avoiding unnecessary exertion, keeping a suitable bedtime (about three hours after sunset), adopting the right sleeping position (on the right side, facing the qibla), and calming the mind through supplication and repentance before sleep. Well-regulated sleep rejuvenates the brain and brings order to life, while needless sleeplessness ages the brain.

To make good use of a course in practice, first consider whether it is genuinely necessary and permissible. Then, while remaining consistent in your obligatory and recommended acts of worship and asking God to guide you toward what is best, see whether you feel drawn to the course with genuine interest and enthusiasm. If you do, go ahead; if not, let it go. It is also recommended to seek God’s forgiveness and recite Supplication 33 from al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya.