The Book of the Prohibited actions

Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 307

Undesirability of Hanging Bells round the Necks of Animals

باب كراهة تعليق الجرس في البعير وغيره من الدواب وكراهية استصحاب الكلب والجرس في السفر

This short chapter treats two companions on a journey that the angels of mercy avoid, a dog and a bell, and names the ringing bell as belonging to the instruments of Satan. The thread links it to the previous chapters: things that repel the company of angels and carry an echo of heedlessness rather than remembrance.

Notice how a small, ordinary item, a jingling bell, is weighed by its spiritual effect, not its size. The believer is invited to fill the journey of life with what draws nearness, the remembrance of Allah, rather than sounds and habits that carry no good. Questions of exactly which bells and settings are meant are for the scholars; the heart's lesson is to choose what keeps mercy near.

Hadith 1690

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏لا تصحب الملائكة رفقة كلب أو جرس‏" ‏‏.‏ ((رواه مسلم))

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Angels do not accompany the travellers who have with them a dog or a bell." [Muslim].

In plain words

Angels do not accompany travellers who carry a dog or a bell, linking the company on a journey to the remembrance and atmosphere we keep.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1690 In-book reference : Book 17, Hadith 180

Hadith 1691

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

وعنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏الجرس مزامير الشيطان‏" ‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The bell is one of the musical instruments of Satan." [Muslim].

In plain words

The ringing bell is described as belonging to the instruments of Satan, inviting the believer to prefer the remembrance of Allah over idle, heedless sounds.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1691 In-book reference : Book 17, Hadith 181