Causes of Yawning During Prayer
- One of the primary reasons for yawning during prayer is a full and heavy stomach, often caused by a varied and overindulgent diet. Additionally, factors such as lethargy, fatigue, and insufficient sleep can lead to a lack of energy and focus during worship. This lack of attention hinders one’s ability to maintain concentration and humility in prayer. It is advisable for individuals to avoid habits that may compromise their focus, such as minimizing the variety and quantity of food consumed, ensuring adequate rest, and engaging in deep breathing exercises. These practices can help reduce the frequency of yawning.
- It has been noted in prophetic traditions that it is proper etiquette to lower one’s voice when yawning. Medically, yawning is understood to help regulate the brain’s temperature, as it cools the fluids within the brain. Additionally, migraines can also trigger yawning due to their association with blood clotting in the brain. Yawning serves as a mechanism to cool the brain and prevent further complications.
The Ruling on Yawning During Prayer
- Yawning during prayer is considered discouraged (makruh) because it is derived from the influence of Satan, who delights in it. This is supported by a narration from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “Yawning is from Satan; if any of you yawns, let him suppress it as much as he can.” In another narration concerning yawning during prayer, the Prophet said: “If any of you yawns while praying, let him suppress it as much as he can, for Satan enters with it.” Yawning is thus viewed unfavorably both during prayer and at other times, as indicated in the hadith: “Indeed, Allah loves sneezing and dislikes yawning; when one of you makes a sound like ‘hah hah,’ it is merely Satan laughing from within him.”
- It is a Sunnah for Muslims to combat yawning both during prayer and in everyday situations. This includes avoiding leaving one’s mouth open inappropriately and covering the mouth with the back of the left hand to prevent any disturbances. Practitioners should strive to maintain a focused heart and mental presence before Allah during prayer, understanding the significance of the moment, which may help to stave off yawning. If one finds themselves yawning during prayer, it is recommended to pause reading momentarily until the urge passes, allowing them to refocus on their recitation.
The Ruling on Reciting “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan” When Yawning
There is no explicit text that confirms the permissibility or prohibition of seeking refuge in Allah from Satan when yawning. However, the Quran states: {And if an incitement from Satan should provoke you, seek refuge in Allah}. Since yawning is associated with the influence of Satan, it is permissible to recite this supplication as a means of warding off yawning.