Sneezing & Yawning Etiquette
Learn the beautiful 3-step prophetic interaction when someone sneezes, and the Islamic rulings on yawning.
Daily MannersThe 3-Step Sneezing Interaction
Important Rulings (Fiqh)
Covering the Face
The Prophet ﷺ would cover his face with his hand or garment when sneezing, and he would muffle the sound. It is against the Sunnah to sneeze loudly or openly into the air.
The Condition for Replying
You are only obligated to say "Yarhamukallah" if you actually hear the sneezer say "Alhamdulillah". If they sneeze and do not praise Allah, you do not bless them.
Sneezing Multiple Times
If a person sneezes and says Alhamdulillah up to three times, you respond each time. If they sneeze more than three times, it is a cold, and you instead say: "May Allah heal you" (Yahfeek Allah).
The Ruling on Yawning
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Yawning is from Shaytan. If any of you feels the urge to yawn, let him resist it as much as possible, for when one of you says 'Ha' (yawns loudly), Shaytan laughs at him."