Chapter VII
CHAPTER VII.
1. The seventh subject is this, that, when a sneeze (’hatsat) comes forth from any one, it is requisite to recite one Yathâ-ahû-vairyô 3 and one Ashem-vohû 4. 2. Because there is a fiend in our bodies, and she is an adversary who is connected with mankind, and strives so that she may make misfortune (’hillat) and sickness predominant (mustaûlî) over mankind. 3 And in our bodies there is a fire which they call a disposition—in Arabic they say tabî’hat—and they call it the sneezing instinct (gharîzî). 4. It is connected with that fiend, and they wage warfare, and it keeps her away from the body of man. 5. Then, as the fire becomes successful over
that fiend, and puts her to flight (hazîmat), a sneeze comes because that fiend comes out.
6. Afterwards, because it is necessary, they recite these inward prayers 1 and perform the benediction (âfrîn) of the fire, so that it may remain for a long period while thou art keeping 2 this fiend defeated. 7. When another person hears the sneeze, it is likewise requisite for him to utter the said prayers, and to accomplish the benediction of that spirit 3.