بِاسْمِ اللهِ، غَطِّ قِنَاعَاً، وَأَوْكِ سِقَاءً، وَأَخْمِدْ سِرَاجَاً، وَقَدِّمْ أَمَامَكَ مَاءً.
In the name of Allah, cover the vessel with a covering, tie the waterskin, extinguish the lamp, and put out the fire.
Bismillahi, ghatti qinaa'an, wa awki siqaa'an, wa akhmid siraajan, wa qaddim amaamaka maa'an.
When to Read
This instruction is given when one is retiring for the night, before going to sleep. It's a comprehensive reminder for maintaining safety and purity in the home.
How to Read
While the exact wording here is an instruction with multiple parts, the core principle applies to covering food and water. Say 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before covering any vessel containing food or drink, especially at night. This covers the aspect of 'ghatti qinaa'an' (cover the vessel with a covering).
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed us to cover food and water vessels at night, stating: 'When night falls, stop your children from going out, for at that time the jinn spread and snatch away. Lock your doors and mention Allah's name, for the devil does not open a locked door. Tie your waterskins and cover your vessels and extinguish your lamps, for the crawling creature may lead the rat to set fire to the house.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5604, Sahih Muslim 2012). Covering vessels protects them from falling prey to insects, dust, or even the unseen creatures that are more active at night, thus preserving their purity and preventing illness.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that Jabir bin 'Abdullah said: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When night falls, stop your children from going out, for at that time the jinn spread and snatch away. Lock your doors and mention Allah's name, for the devil does not open a locked door. Tie your waterskins and cover your vessels and extinguish your lamps, for the crawling creature may lead the rat to set fire to the house.'" (Sahih Muslim 2012). Another narration in Sahih Muslim reads: 'When it is evening, keep your cattle confined and your children indoors, for the devils are abroad at this time. When an hour of the night has passed, let them go. Close your doors and mention the name of Allah, for the devil does not open a closed door. Tie up your waterskins and mention the name of Allah. Cover your containers and mention the name of Allah, even if you only place something across them, and extinguish your lamps.' (Sahih Muslim 2013)