Question

What is the reference for this narration:

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “One bed [is sufficient] for a man, one for his wife and a third for a guest. The fourth one is for Shaytan”

 

Answer

Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2084)

 

Having more than one requires is generally a sign of pride, boasting and becoming engrossed in the pleasures of this temporary abode, which is a reprehensible deed. Shaytan encourages these type of deeds. Therefore Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) attributed the extra bed to Shaytan.

Some commentators have preferred the literal meaning. When a person has an extra bed which he doesn’t need, Shaytan sleeps on that bed.

 

This will not apply when a person has some need for the extra bed. ‘Allamah Nawawi (rahimahullah) says, The Hadith in question does not apply to a person who has an extra bed to use during sickness.

(Refer: Sahih Muslim with Al Minhaj, Hadith: 5419 and Mirqat, Hadith: 4310)

This illustrates that having an extra bed for a future need is not wrong.

 

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar