Chapter: The Dislike of Hanging Bells on Camels and Other Beasts of Burden, and the Dislike of Taking Dogs or Bells Along When Travelling

1690 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The angels do not accompany a company in which there is a dog or a bell.” Recorded by Muslim.

1691 – He also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “A bell is among the wind-instruments of Satan.” Recorded by Muslim, and by Abu Dawud with an authentic chain that meets Muslim’s criteria.

[Commentary]

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—writes in his Riyad al-Salihin the chapter on the dislike of hanging a bell on animals and the dislike of travelling with a dog or a bell. He then cites the hadith of Abu Hurayrah. A bell is well known: it is the object fastened to beasts of burden that emits a distinctive chime. That chime produces a pleasurable, stirring sound that people may find entertaining. The Prophet ﷺ forbade it, warning against it by stating that the angels do not accompany a caravan in which there is a bell. As the animals walk and prance, the bell gives off something akin to instrumental music; and it is well established that musical instruments are forbidden.