Are the devils chained up in Ramadan?

Detailed answer

Yes. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained" (Bukhari and Muslim). This is an authentic hadith, and Muslims believe it, even though they cannot see how it happens, because it is a matter of the unseen.

So why do people still sin?

This is a common and very fair question. Scholars have given several explanations:

• The rebellious ones: another narration, in Tirmidhi, mentions that the devils and the rebellious jinn are chained. Some scholars understood this to mean that the most harmful of them are restrained, not every single one.
• Our own self (nafs): not every bad thought comes from Satan. Human beings also have desires, weaknesses and habits built up over the year, which continue to push them.
• Human influences: bad company, harmful media and certain environments can still lead people towards wrongdoing.
• Weakened, not removed: many scholars explain that the influence of the devils is reduced especially for those who fast properly and guard their behaviour. This is why so many people find it easier to pray, read Quran and leave bad habits in Ramadan.

What this means for you

If you still struggle in Ramadan, that is normal and human. It can also be a mirror: whatever remains when the devils are restrained shows the habits we need to work on ourselves. Ramadan is a training ground for the soul, and the improvements made now can last all year.

Tips

• Guard your eyes, tongue and phone, which are common doors to temptation.
• Keep busy with prayer, Quran and dhikr, especially at times when you feel weak.
• When you slip, repent quickly; the doors of mercy are wide open this month.

Read more about lying and backbiting while fasting, dhikr in Ramadan and the last ten nights.