The yawning as from the devil. So when one of you yawns he should try to restrain it as far as it lies in his power.
The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts
Sahih Muslim 2994
Hadith Commentary
This noble hadith from the Sahih of Imam Muslim informs us that yawning originates from the devil. When a believer feels the urge to yawn, they should strive to suppress it to the best of their ability.
The scholars explain that yawning is associated with laziness, lethargy, and a state of satiety - conditions that the devil loves and exploits to distance a servant from the remembrance of Allah and acts of worship. Therefore, restraining a yawn is an act of opposing the devil's whispers.
If one cannot prevent the yawn completely, they should at least cover their mouth with their hand, as mentioned in other authentic narrations. This practice demonstrates good manners and prevents the devil from entering the mouth, as some scholars have mentioned.
This teaching reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic guidance, which addresses even the smallest aspects of human behavior, transforming them into acts of worship through intention and adherence to the Sunnah.