36/12. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2014a — Cover Vessels from Pestilence
It is recommended to cover vessels, tie up waterskins, close doors and mention the name of Allah over them, extinguish lamps and fires when going to sleep, and keep children and animals in after maghrib
Hadith About Covering Vessels from Pestilence
Sahih Muslim : 2014a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2014a
وَحَدَّثَنَا عَمْرٌو النَّاقِدُ، حَدَّثَنَا هَاشِمُ بْنُ الْقَاسِمِ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، حَدَّثَنِي يَزِيدُ، بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أُسَامَةَ بْنِ الْهَادِ اللَّيْثِيُّ عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْحَكَمِ، عَنِ الْقَعْقَاعِ بْنِ حَكِيمٍ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " غَطُّوا الإِنَاءَ وَأَوْكُوا السِّقَاءَ فَإِنَّ فِي السَّنَةِ لَيْلَةً يَنْزِلُ فِيهَا وَبَاءٌ لاَ يَمُرُّ بِإِنَاءٍ لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ غِطَاءٌ أَوْ سِقَاءٍ لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ وِكَاءٌ إِلاَّ نَزَلَ فِيهِ مِنْ ذَلِكَ الْوَبَاءِ " .
Jabir bin `Abdullah Narrated from:
Jabir b. 'Abdullah reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Cover the vessels and tie the waterskin, for there is a night in a year when pestilence descends, and it does not pass an uncovered vessel or an untied waterskin but some of that pestilence descending into it.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2014aIn-book reference : Book 36, Hadith 129USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 23, Hadith 5000
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2014a
This Hadith gives a strong reason for covering vessels and tying waterskins. Jabir reported that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said to cover vessels and tie waterskins because there is a night in the year when pestilence descends. The Hadith says it does not pass an uncovered vessel or an untied waterskin except that some of it descends into it. The teaching is direct. A person should not leave food and drink vessels open and should not leave waterskins untied. The Hadith does not ask for a hard action. Covering a vessel and tying a waterskin are simple steps. This makes the Hadith a clear reminder of careful household practice and trust in prophetic guidance.
What we learn from this hadith
- Vessels should be covered as stated in the Hadith.
- Waterskins should be tied instead of left open.
- The Hadith links this practice to protection from descending pestilence.
