with her to escort her and reassure her against the loneliness of the night.

While they were walking, two men from the Ansar passed by. Out of modesty, they did not wish to walk alongside the Prophet ﷺ when he was with his wife, so they quickened their pace. He said to them, “Take it easy; do not hurry. The one with me is my wife Safiyyah.” They were astonished and exclaimed, “Glory be to Allah, O Messenger of Allah! How could you imagine that we would think anything amiss?” He replied that he had not suspected them; rather, he knew that Satan is eager to mislead the children of Adam and has great power over them, flowing through them as blood flows—so subtle are his entry points and hidden his pathways. May Allah protect us from him. Amen.

Points derived from the hadith

1. The legitimacy of iʿtikāf, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
2. A brief conversation does not nullify iʿtikāf, particularly when it serves a benefit, such as comforting one’s family.
3. The hadith highlights the Prophet’s ﷺ refined character and gentleness: he comforted his wife and then rose to see her home. Muslims should adorn themselves with such noble prophetic manners.
4. A person should clear himself of any suspicion so that nothing unfounded is thought of him; one must avoid situations that invite blame.
5. Satan possesses strong ability and deep access to mislead the children of Adam, flowing through them as blood flows. Ibn Daqīq al-ʿĪd remarked that this warning is especially relevant for scholars and those who are emulated.
6. The hadith shows the Prophet’s ﷺ compassion for his community: he knew the two men held no ill thought, but he was aware of Satan’s powerful machinations and feared the devil might whisper something that would destroy them.
7. Some scholars inferred that a judge should clarify to the defendant the basis of a ruling when it is unclear, to dispel suspicion.
8. It is permissible for a person in iʿtikāf to be alone with his wife and converse with her, provided this does not arouse desire inconsistent with the retreat.
9. Ibn Daqīq al-ʿĪd also noted that the hadith proves satanic promptings can assault the soul, and a person is not held accountable for what he cannot repel, for Allah says, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” Al-Ṣanʿānī added: These misgivings knock at the heart; if the servant follows them, they lead him to doubt, but if he cuts them off with remembrance and seeking refuge in Allah, they vanish.