Why the Islamic Concept of Preparing a Bed for the Devil Contradicts God’s Righteousness and Biblical Doctrine

 Why the Islamic Concept of Preparing a Bed for the Devil Contradicts God’s Righteousness and Biblical Doctrine

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

In the Islamic hadith literature, specifically Sunan Abi Dawud 4142, it is narrated by Jabir bin ‘Abdullah that the Prophet of Islam said:

"There should be bedding for a man, bedding for his wife, and third for a guest, but a fourth for the devil."

This peculiar tradition raises profound theological concerns when measured against the light of God’s Word as revealed in the Holy Bible. In biblical doctrine, the presence of devils, demons, and unclean spirits is consistently portrayed as hostile, oppressive, and contrary to God's holiness, goodness, and order.

In the biblical worldview, there is no provision for preparing a place for the devil. Rather, the Scriptures command believers to resist the devil (James 4:7), cast out demons (Mark 16:17), and to live in houses consecrated to the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Nowhere in the inspired Word of God are believers instructed to make allowances, spaces, or hospitality for satanic entities within their homes or lives.

In fact, the Lord Jesus Christ consistently expelled demonic presences wherever He encountered them (Luke 8:27-33), and instructed His followers to do the same through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Christian home is to be a dwelling of peace, godliness, and purity — not one where evil is entertained, invited, or allotted a place, even symbolically.

The theological implications of such a hadith are troubling:

• It implies a form of coexistence with evil.

• It normalizes the presence of the devil within domestic life.

• It fundamentally contradicts God’s holiness and call for His people to be separate from darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

Biblical Values Affirm:

“Do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:27)

Christian theology firmly teaches that demons are adversaries of God and His people, and their rightful place is not in beds, homes, or lives — but under the authority of Christ and ultimately in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Conclusion:
This Islamic tradition reveals a theological deficiency that not only undermines the seriousness of spiritual warfare but directly opposes the moral and spiritual purity demanded by the Living God. The followers of Christ are called to be holy, to sanctify their dwellings, and to ensure no provision is made for evil spirits.

At Shimba Theological Institute, we call upon seekers of truth to critically examine such traditions against the flawless light of the Word of God — where devils are expelled, not accommodated.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
(James 4:7)

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Founder, Shimba Theological Institute