89. QUESTION: In the holy Tablets it hath been revealed that when someone acquireth the equivalent of nineteen miṯẖqáls of gold, he should pay the Right of God on that [pg 133]sum. Might it be explained how much of this nineteen should be paid?
ANSWER: Nineteen out of one hundred is established by the ordinance of God. Computation should be made on this basis. It may then be ascertained what amount is due on nineteen.
90. QUESTION: When one’s wealth exceeds nineteen, is it necessary for it to increase by a further nineteen before Ḥuqúq is due again, or would it be due on any increase?
ANSWER: Any amount added to nineteen is exempt from Ḥuqúq until it reacheth a further nineteen.
91. QUESTION: Concerning pure water, and the point at which it is considered used.
ANSWER: Small quantities of water, such as one cupful, or even two or three, must be considered used after a single washing of the face and hands. But a kurr[19] or more of water remaineth unchanged after one or two washings of the face, and there is no objection to its use unless it is altered in one of the three ways,[20] for example its colour is changed, in which case it should be looked upon as used.
92. QUESTION: In a treatise in Persian on various questions, the age of maturity hath been set at fifteen; is [pg 134]marriage likewise conditional upon the reaching of maturity, or is it permissible before that time?
ANSWER: Since the consent of both parties is required in the Book of God, and since, before maturity, their consent or lack of it cannot be ascertained, marriage is therefore conditional upon reaching the age of maturity, and is not permissible before that time.
93. QUESTION: Concerning fasting and obligatory prayer by the sick.
ANSWER: In truth, I say that obligatory prayer and fasting occupy an exalted station in the sight of God. It is, however, in a state of health that their virtue can be realized. In time of ill-health it is not permissible to observe these obligations; such hath been the bidding of the Lord, exalted be His glory, at all times. Blessed be such men and women as pay heed, and observe His precepts. All praise be unto God, He who hath sent down the verses and is the Revealer of undoubted proofs!