Whenever the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sneezed, he would put his hand—or his garment—over his mouth and lower—or drop—his voice therewith

Arabic text

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: كان رسولُ الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا عَطَس وضَعَ يَدَه -أو ثوبَهُ- على فيهِ، وخَفَضَ -أو غضَّ- بها صوتَهُ.

Translation

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sneezed, he would put his hand—or his garment—over his mouth and lower—or drop—his voice therewith.

Explanation

Whenever the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sneezed: First: He would put his hand or garment over his mouth so that nothing would come out of his mouth or nose and hurt those around him. Second: He would lower his voice and not raise it.

Benefits

• Demonstrating the Prophet's guidance concerning sneezing and following his example in that.
• It is recommended to put a garment, tissue paper, or the like over one's mouth and nose when sneezing lest something should come out and hurt those around him.
• Lowering the voice while sneezing is required and is a sign of perfect manners and noble morals.

Topics

• Virtues and Manners
• Seerah and History
• Shariah-approved Manners
• Manners of Sneezing and Yawning
• Prophet's Biography
• Muhammadan Qualities