and evil.” This indicates that Satan possesses a certain authority over the children of Adam, and that the only one kept safe is the one whom Allah protects.

Among the further lessons of the ḥadīth:

1. Whoever joins a meal after it has already begun must pronounce the basmalah; he may not say, “Those who started before me have already said it.”
2. If everyone sits down together and begins eating at the same moment, is one person’s basmalah sufficient for all? The answer:
   – If that single person says it quietly, it does not suffice, for the others have not heard it.
   – If he says it aloud intending it for everyone, some scholars hold that it is acceptable; others maintain that it is better and more complete for each diner to invoke Allah’s name for himself.
3. The ḥadīth establishes that Satan has a hand, for the Prophet ﷺ grasped it.
4. The incident is itself a sign among the signs of the Messenger ﷺ: Allah informed him of what truly happened—the fact that Satan had propelled both the Bedouin and the young girl—and the Prophet seized all three hands with his noble hand, peace and blessings be upon him.
5. If someone approaches the food and you do not hear him utter the basmalah, you should restrain his hand until he says it, just as the Prophet ﷺ held their hands and did not merely instruct them verbally.