When a person enters his house and mentions the name of Allah at the time of entering it and while eating the food, Satan says (addressing himself: You have no place to spend the night and no evening meal; but when he enters without mentioning the name of Allah, the Satan says: You have found a place to spend the night, and when he does not mention the name of Allah while eating food, he (the Satan) says: You have found a place to spend the night and evening meal.
Hadith Commentary - The Book of Drinks (Sahih Muslim 2018a)
This narration from Sahih Muslim emphasizes the profound spiritual significance of invoking Allah's name at two critical moments: entering one's home and partaking of sustenance. The hadith employs a powerful pedagogical device by revealing the internal dialogue of Satan to illustrate the spiritual consequences of our actions.
The Wisdom of Dhikr at Entry Points
Scholars explain that homes are sanctuaries of privacy and family life, making them vulnerable to satanic intrusion. Mentioning "Bismillah" upon entry establishes divine protection and transforms the dwelling into a blessed space where Satan cannot settle.
The classical commentators note that this practice follows the Quranic principle of beginning all important matters with Allah's name, as commanded in Surah Al-An'am: "And eat of what Allah has provided for you, lawful and good, and fear Allah in whom you believe."
The Spiritual Mechanics of Barakah
When a believer mentions Allah's name before eating, they acknowledge the divine source of their provision, thereby infusing the meal with barakah (blessing). This transforms a physical act into an act of worship.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that Satan gains access to what is consumed without dhikr because it becomes mere animalistic consumption devoid of spiritual consciousness. The remembrance of Allah elevates the act and protects it from satanic contamination.
Practical Implications for Daily Life
This hadith teaches that every action, no matter how mundane, has spiritual dimensions. The consistent practice of dhikr creates a protective spiritual environment around the believer and their household.
Scholars emphasize that this extends beyond formal homes to all dwellings and places of residence, and applies to all forms of consumption - not just meals but drinks as well, which is particularly relevant given this hadith's placement in "The Book of Drinks."