134 / REMEMBRANCES UPON ENTERING THE HOME

The sunnah contains magnificent remembrances concerning what a Muslim should say upon entering his home. In general, it is recommended that, upon entering, he say, “In the name of Allah,” remember Allah abundantly, and offer the greeting of peace, whether or not anyone is in the house.

Imam Muslim narrated in his Sahīh from Jābir ibn Abd Allah—may Allah be pleased with him—that he heard the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—say: “When a man enters his home and remembers Allah upon entering and when eating, Satan says, ‘You have neither lodging nor supper.’ If he enters without remembering Allah, Satan says, ‘You have secured lodging.’ And if he does not remember Allah when eating, Satan says, ‘You have secured both lodging and supper.’”1.

This hadith shows that a Muslim’s remembrance of his Lord upon entering his home and when eating and drinking is a means of safeguarding and protecting him from Satan. Satan follows the Muslim in all his affairs—when he enters his home, when he eats and drinks, and at other times. When the Muslim remembers his Lord, Satan withdraws, despairs of him, and does not approach him; the Muslim is protected from Satan and from his scheming and plotting. But when the Muslim neglects remembrance, Satan remains with him and shares in his food, drink, and lodging. Allah Most High says: “Whoever turns away from the remembrance of the Most Merciful, We appoint for him a devil, who becomes his close companion” 2—that is, the devil accompanies him, remains constantly with him, and relentlessly incites him to sin.

Remembering Allah—Glorified and Exalted is He—drives Satan away and safeguards a person, while one who remembers Allah is protected from