Image: Supplied

Faizel Patel – 28/05/2021

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

Is it permissible to drink water left uncovered overnight when going to bed?

This question was answered by esteemed Islamic scholar Mufti Shafiq Jakhura on Radio Islam’s fiqh question and answer programme on Monday.

It is the habit of most people to leave a glass of water at the bedside table when going to bed in case they get thirsty during the night.

However, should the glass be covered?

Mufti Jakhura says Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said Shaitaan sets out from the time the sun sets until the first portion of darkness passes by.

“Nabi (SAW) also said that lock the doors and make the dhikr of Allah (SWT) because Shaitaan does not open a lock door and he also said tie the water bands and make the dhikr of Allah and cover the utensils so that nothing goes inside and put off your lamps or lanterns.”

Mufti Jakhura says the water that has been left open during the night should not be drunk and should preferably be used for the garden or be discarded.

“One should not be drinking that sort of water. Before one sleeps, one should cover the water and if you don’t have anything to cover the utensil completely than it has been mentioned that at least we must put like a pencil or a stick or a miswaak across the that utensil and that will Insha’Allah protect any evil from entering.”

Mufti Jakhura also cautioned and urged parents to prevent their children from venturing outside when night approaches.

“Verily Shaitaan spreads out at this time. In another narration, Nabi (SAW) has also mentioned that don’t let your animals and children out from the time the sun sets until the first portion of darkness passes and that is generally when the time of Esha sets in. After the time of Esha sets in, than one could let the children out once again, of course it should be after supervision.”

You can tune into Radio Islam’s Fiqh Q and A programme which includes the Shafi’i madhab every Monday evening from 8pm.

Listen to the advices of Mufti Shafiq Jakhura on the question of water being left open when going to bed.