Did the Prophet use his left hand when he sneezed?
- Is it objectionable to sneeze aloud?
Submitted by on Fri, 24/11/2023 - 10:37
Dear Brother / Sister,
The following is stated in a hadith:
"Allah Almighty likes it when people sneeze but does not like it when they yawn. He who yawns should try to prevent it as much as he can. He should not yawn aloud." The following is stated in another narration: "He should put his hand over his mouth." [see Bukhari, Adab 125, 128, Bad’ul-Khalq 11; Muslim, Zuhd 56, (2994); Abu Dawud, Adab 97, (5028); Tirmidhi, Salah 273, (370), Adab 7, (2747, 2748)]
The following is stated in another hadith:
"When one of you is to sneeze, he should put his palms on his face and try to lower the sound of sneezing." (see Mustadrak, Hakim Nisaburi, Adab, 6, no: 7684)
Besides, when the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) sneezed, he would put his hand or handkerchief over his mouth, trying to lower the sound – or close his mouth. (Abu Dawud, Adab 90; Tirmidhi, Adab 6)
Sneezing is a means of cleaning the nasal canals and nasal passages of a person from certain substances. Therefore, it is possible for some things to come out of the mouth or nose with strong breathing while sneezing. That is why, the Prophet (pbuh) tried to close his mouth by covering it with his hand or a handkerchief. Besides, it is natural that the sound will lower when the mouth is closed as much as possible.
It is very important to observe these deeds especially when you are with others. However, it is a deed appropriate for the sunnah to cover one’s mouth with one’s hand or a handkerchief while sneezing in any case.
It is understood from various narrations that the Prophet (pbuh) covered his mouth sometimes with his hands and sometimes with a handkerchief. If the sound is too loud while sneezing, it disturbs others and can harm the person's own organs.
To sum up:
- It is appropriate for the manners of the sunnah for the person who sneezes to cover his mouth with his hand or a handkerchief.
- The person who sneezes should try to lower the sneezing sound and close his mouth
- Sneezing aloud can disturb others around and harm the one who sneezes.
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