Don’t Let Shaytaan In

Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) saying, "If a person mentions the Name of Allah upon entering his house or eating, Shaytaan says addressing his followers: 'You will find nowhere to spend the night and no dinner.' But if he enters without mentioning the Name of Allah, Shaytaan says (to his followers); 'You have found (a place) to spend the night in.' And if the person does not mention the Name of Allah at the time of eating, Shaytaan says: 'You have found (a place) to spend the night in as well as food.'" [Muslim]

What might happen if an evil person entered your house? He might steal, plant false evidence, anger relatives against each other, cause fights, hurt people, make people abuse their time on sinful activities... Shaytaan is the most evil entity. If you allow him and his followers to enter your house with you, don't be surprised if the harmony of family life goes missing. To prevent this from happening, the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) told us to recite the following dua when entering our house:

“Allahumma inni as'aluka khairal-mawliji wa khairal-makhraji. Bismillahi wa lajna, wa bismillahi kharajna, wa `ala rabbina tawakkalna.” (O Allah! I ask you for what is good of entrance and what is good for exit. With the Name of Allah do we enter, and with the Name of Allah do we leave, and upon our Lord Allah have we put our trust).

If one doesn't know or remember the dua, one should at least say 'Bismillah'. By taking Allah's name we seek His protection. We should say 'Bismillah' when starting any activity.