Is there any validity to the saying that food containers must be covered from sunset until dawn, along with the recitation of "Bismillah" (in the name of God), to prevent devils from eating from them? What is the ruling on not doing so? Is it true that devils spread at night, and is there a fear of encountering them? Do these statements have any basis in Islamic law? If not, are they considered a form of pessimism (Tatayyur)? What is the ruling on smiling, laughing, and crying in the bathroom?
The Prophetic Sunnah recommends covering vessels at night and mentioning the name of Allah, preventing children from going out at sunset until the intensity of darkness subsides, closing doors and extinguishing lamps when sleeping, and extinguishing embers when lying down. Speaking in the restroom is disliked except to warn an infallible person from harm, and mentioning Allah with the tongue therein is disliked. Reciting the Quran is forbidden, but smiling is permissible. No text has been reported regarding weeping therein, but it is preferable not to.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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