Cover the vessels, fasten the waterskins, close the doors, and extinguish the lamps, for, indeed, the devil does not loosen waterskins, nor open doors, nor uncover vessels

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered that vessels should be covered to safeguard them against insects and other harmful creatures, and against diseases that may dwell therein. Also, he ordered Muslims to fasten waterskins and close doors, given the worldly and religious interests that such an action involves, as well as protecting lives and properties from evil and corrupt people. He also guided Muslims to extinguish lamps to protect houses and its occupants from the harms of fire. The Hadīth is concerned with the time of sleep at night, and it tells that the devil does not open closed waterskins, doors, or vessels. So, if one is unable to cover a vessel with something that can completely cover it in such a way that nothing of its contents appears, he should not leave it uncovered. Rather, he should place a stalk over it in a horizontal position, and mention the name of Allah, the Exalted, while covering the vessel, fastening the waterskins, or closing the doors. The Hadīth also mentions that, in most cases, mice may tamper with lamps and other inflammable objects if they are left without extinguishing them before sleep, and this could be a cause for setting the inhabitants of the house on fire while they are sleeping.

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