Hadith Text and Reference

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah likes sneezing and dislikes yawning, so if someone sneezes and then praises Allah, then it is obligatory on every Muslim who heard him, to say: May Allah be merciful to you (Yar-hamuka-l-lah). But as regards yawning, it is from Satan, so one must try one's best to stop it, if one says 'Ha' when yawning, Satan will laugh at him."

Book: Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)

Author: Sahih al-Bukhari

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6223

Commentary on Sneezing

Sneezing is a natural bodily function that Allah favors because it provides relief and expels harmful substances from the body. When a Muslim sneezes and praises Allah by saying "Alhamdulillah," this demonstrates gratitude to the Creator. The response "Yarhamukallah" is a collective obligation (fard kifayah) upon those who hear the praise, invoking Allah's mercy upon the sneezer.

This exchange strengthens brotherhood and reminds Muslims of their mutual responsibilities. The sneezer should respond to this invocation with "Yahdikumullah wa yuslihu balakum" (May Allah guide you and set your affairs right), completing this beautiful cycle of Islamic etiquette.

Commentary on Yawning

Yawning originates from Satan and indicates laziness and lack of spiritual alertness. The Prophet taught us to suppress yawning as much as possible by closing the mouth or placing a hand over it. The sound "Ha" that sometimes accompanies yawning pleases Satan, as it reflects the soul's inclination toward lethargy.

This teaching trains Muslims to maintain dignity in their appearance and conduct, resisting Satan's attempts to make them appear sluggish or inattentive, especially during prayer or religious gatherings where spiritual presence is essential.

Spiritual Significance

This hadith illustrates how Islam sanctifies everyday actions, transforming mundane activities into acts of worship. The contrast between sneezing and yawning demonstrates how Muslims should align their natural inclinations with divine pleasure.

Every action, no matter how small, carries spiritual weight in Islam. By observing these etiquettes, Muslims remain conscious of Allah throughout their daily lives, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for remembrance and reward.