Is it prescribed to cover a child's mouth when yawning, and what is said when sneezing, and is it obligatory to seek refuge (with Allah) when donkeys bray or dogs bark repeatedly at night?
It is prescribed to teach the discerning child the manners of sneezing and yawning. He should be instructed to place his hand over his mouth when yawning. When sneezing, he should be taught to praise Allah, and one should say to him, "May Allah have mercy on you" or "May you be blessed." As for the non-discerning child, religious commands are not directed at him, but it is permissible for his guardian to praise Allah on his behalf and supplicate for him with "May you be blessed." Seeking refuge (with Allah) upon hearing the braying of a donkey and the barking of a dog is recommended, not obligatory, and it is prescribed to repeat it as the sound is repeated.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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