Bahishti Zewar

Bahishti Zewar, described as an ancient tome of Islamic belief, was written by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi. Bahishti Zewar (translated as Heavenly Ornaments) is a comprehensive handbook of fiqh(Jurisprudence), specially for education of girls & women. For years it has remained a favorite with the people of the Indo-Pak subcontinent.

Not only does the volume describe the Five Pillars of Islam, it also highlights more obscure principles such as the process of circumcision. See this example: "When baths are necessary to cleanse oneself. If a mans circumcision has not been done and his semen comes out and sticks in the superfluous skin which is cut off in circumcision, then bath will be obligatory for him," and "If a man enters his penis into the back organ of a woman and there is no seminal discharge, then bath will not be obligatory." Ritual bathing is required after such behavior, or one may not enter a mosque.

Women and Bahishti Zewar Among Muslims, it is a popular practice to present this volume to a new bride. The motivation behind this gesture is that the young woman is taking up a new identity and new life as a wife and mother-to-be. She should be well versed in the rites, rituals and tradition of Islam.

English Translations of Bahishti Zewar are available online

Bahishti Zewar [1] Bahishti Zewar [2]