Remembering Allah's name while closing a door and in daily tasks is beginning one's work with Bismillah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised closing a door while remembering Allah's name, stating that Satan cannot open a door closed in this way. According to Aisha, he used his right hand for cleanliness and eating, and his left hand for the toilet and other unclean tasks. It is reported that on leaving his home he would supplicate, saying "Bismillah, tawakkaltu alallah" (In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah). Bismillah is not reserved for food alone; it is an expression of intention and awareness that can be placed at every moment of the day.
What is the hadith source of this sunnah?
This sunnah rests on the following hadiths. The reference gives the collection, chapter and number where the hadith appears.
- D3731 Ebû Dâvûd, Eşribe, 22.
- D33 Ebû Dâvûd, Tahâret, 18.
- T3427 Tirmizî, Deavât, 35.
More sunnahs in Everyday Courtesy
As a table with references: Everyday Courtesy sunnahs.
- Alhamdulillah When Sneezing: Saying "Alhamdulillah" when you sneeze is a short remembrance the Prophet taught.
- A Smile Is Charity: Smiling at your brother's face is charity. The Prophet's own laughter was a smile.
- Respect for Elders, Love for the Young: Showing mercy to the young and honoring the rights of elders was the Prophet's counsel.
- Removing an Obstacle from the Road: Removing something harmful from the road is charity.
- Answering an Invitation: Going where you are invited is a sunnah that gladdens the one who invited you.
- Turning with the Whole Body: When turning to someone, turning your whole body and not just your head shows them your full attention.
- Asking Permission Before Entering: Giving the greeting and asking permission before entering a door is a fine lesson in the etiquette of the sunnah.
- Suppressing a Yawn: When a yawn comes during prayer, holding it back as much as one can was the Prophet's counsel.
- Being Self-Sufficient: Meeting your own needs without asking anything of others is safeguarding your dignity.
- Walking with Purpose: Walking with quick, decided steps and a slight forward lean was the Prophet's way of walking.
- Running and Sport: On a journey, the Prophet raced on foot with his wife Aisha.
- Not Judging by Appearance: Allah looks not at forms and wealth but at hearts and deeds. Judge no one by appearance.