How Homes Become Like Graveyards Due to Shaytan

Authored by: Dr. Rida Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)

Explanation:​

Homes can metaphorically become like graveyards when they are spiritually devoid of the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and the recitation of the Quran. This concept is derived from several prophetic narrations emphasizing the importance of engaging in acts of worship within the home to prevent them from becoming lifeless, like a graveyard.

Evidence from the Sunnah:​

1. Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA), the Prophet (ﷺ) said:​

"Indeed, Shaytan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited. And the most desolate homes are those devoid of the Book of Allah."
[Sunan An-Nasa’i Al-Kubra 10799; Sharh As-Sunnah Al-Baghawi 1194; Al-Mustadrak Al-Hakim 3029]

• This Hadith highlights the spiritual protection that comes from reciting Surah Al-Baqarah in the home. Without this recitation, the home becomes vulnerable to the influence of Shaytan, leading to spiritual desolation.

2. Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet (ﷺ) said:​

"Do not turn your homes into graveyards."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith 780]

• A graveyard is a place associated with silence and inactivity. Similarly, a home devoid of prayer (salah) and remembrance of Allah becomes spiritually dead, akin to a graveyard.
• This Hadith encourages offering voluntary prayers (nawafil) and engaging in acts of worship within the home to maintain its spiritual vitality.

Lessons and Practical Steps:​

1. Recite the Quran Regularly at Home:
   
   • Make the recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah and other chapters of the Quran a regular practice in the home to repel Shaytan and foster an atmosphere of peace and spirituality.
2. Engage in Prayer at Home:
   
   • Perform voluntary prayers (nawafil) at home, as this brings blessings and ensures the home remains spiritually alive.
3. Dhikr and Supplications:
   
   • Engage in constant remembrance of Allah and recite the prescribed supplications for the morning, evening, and before sleeping.
4. Avoid Neglecting the Home Spiritually:
   
   • A home devoid of worship, Quranic recitation, and remembrance of Allah becomes a haven for Shaytan and resembles a graveyard in terms of spiritual desolation.

Conclusion:​

A home becomes like a graveyard when it is empty of the Quran, Salah, and dhikr. To protect homes from becoming spiritually barren, recite Surah Al-Baqarah, offer voluntary prayers, and engage in the remembrance of Allah. These actions repel Shaytan and ensure that the home remains spiritually vibrant.