Shut your door and make mention of Allah's name, for the devil does not open a door which has been shut; extinguish your lamp and make mention of Allah's name, cover up your vessel even by a piece of wood that you just put on it and make mention of Allah's name, and tie up your water-skin mentioning Allah's name.
Hadith Text & Reference
"Shut your door and make mention of Allah's name, for the devil does not open a door which has been shut; extinguish your lamp and make mention of Allah's name, cover up your vessel even by a piece of wood that you just put on it and make mention of Allah's name, and tie up your water-skin mentioning Allah's name."
Book: Drinks (Kitab Al-Ashribah)
Author: Sunan Abi Dawud
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 3731
Commentary on the Four Protective Measures
This comprehensive hadith establishes four essential protective measures against satanic interference in daily life. Each action combines physical precaution with spiritual remembrance, demonstrating Islam's holistic approach to protection.
Closing Doors: Scholars explain that closed doors prevent physical and spiritual harm, as devils cannot open what has been properly secured. The mention of Allah's name transforms a mundane action into an act of worship and divine protection.
Extinguishing Lamps: Classical commentators note that leaving lamps burning overnight risks fire and attracts harmful creatures. More profoundly, darkness provides cover for evil forces unless sanctified by Allah's remembrance.
Covering Vessels: Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani states that uncovered containers allow impurities and harmful spirits to enter. Even a simple covering suffices when accompanied by basmalah, showing Allah's mercy in accepting simple means.
Securing Waterskins: Water sources require particular protection as contamination affects purity for worship. Tying the waterskin with Allah's name preserves both physical purity and spiritual blessings.
Scholarly Insights & Legal Rulings
The majority of scholars consider these actions highly recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory, based on their repetitive nature in prophetic guidance.
Imam al-Nawawi emphasizes that the common element in all these actions is combining physical means with spiritual protection, teaching Muslims not to rely solely on either aspect.
Modern applications extend to covering food containers, turning off electrical appliances, locking doors, and securing any potential source of harm - all while remembering Allah.
The wisdom behind these measures includes: preserving health and property, maintaining ritual purity, training in mindfulness of Allah throughout daily activities, and recognizing that protection ultimately comes from Allah alone.