Hadith on Evening Precautions:
Jabir bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"When the night spreads, and evening sets in, keep your children indoors, for the devils spread out at that time. When a part of the night has passed, let them go. Close the doors and mention Allah’s name, for the devils do not open a closed door. Tie your water-skins and mention Allah’s name. Cover your utensils and mention Allah’s name, even if you only place something over them. And extinguish your lamps."
(Sahih Bukhari: 3316, 3380, 5623; Sahih Muslim: 2012)
Key Lessons from This Hadith:
➊ Shayatin (devils) spread during the evening:
- Children should not be allowed to go outside at this time, as they are more vulnerable.
- Engaging in the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is highly encouraged.
- Doors should be locked at night, mentioning the name of Allah, as Shayatin cannot open closed doors.
➋ Household Precautions for the Night:
- Tie the openings of water containers (mashkiza) and mention Allah’s name over them.
- Cover food and drink with lids or at least place a stick or cloth over them.
- Extinguish lamps and fires before sleeping, to avoid harm or danger.
This guidance from the Prophet ﷺ serves both spiritual and practical benefits, ensuring protection from unseen harms and worldly dangers like fire accidents or contamination.
Source:
This content is taken from Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath’s book "Diya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi-Ahadith al-Ahkam", translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar Sahib.
