Shut the Door!

It is almost every person’s nightmare to wake up, in the middle of the night, and see a complete stranger standing at the foot of the bed, gun in hand. In fact, this fear of an intrusion is so firmly entrenched in the minds of people, that before retiring to bed they ensure that they lock all doors, close all windows, switch on the floodlights and activate the alarm.

But what many people forget is the intruder you DON’T see at the foot of your bed (or anywhere else at all for that matter) - the shayaateen and evil jinn. They enter the home with mischievous motives, surreptitiously sowing the seeds of discord and disharmony, whispering evil insinuations into the hearts and doing their best to spread grief, heartache, unhappiness and sorrow among the household.

Furthermore, there is no fence, whether electrified or with barbed wire, and there is no door, gate, burglar bar or alarm that can prevent their entry. Rather, they enter when they wish, from where they wish, and stay as long as they wish, causing more and more damage, day by day.

Fortunately, our beloved Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught us an easy yet effective method to bar these threats from our homes. In one hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Lock the doors and take the name of Allah Ta‘ala when doing so, for shaitaan cannot open a door which was locked (with the name of Allah Ta‘ala).” (Saheeh Bukhaari #3304)

In this hadeeth, although the word ‘door’ has been specifically mentioned, it is not restricted to doors. Rather, through reciting ‘bismillah’ at the time of closing the doors, one will prevent shaitaan from entering the home through all avenues (through the walls, roof, floors, etc.). Hence, the reason for mentioning doors specifically is that doors provide the easiest entry into the home. Thus, when the shayaateen cannot enter via the doors, it will be even more difficult for them to enter via any other avenue. (Mirqaat vol. 8, pg. 115)

In essence, together with reciting the du‘aas of protection, we should practice on this sunnah as well, as it will safeguard our homes and transform them into sanctuaries of peace and happiness.

May Allah (swt) always safeguard from the seen and unseen enemies Aameen!