Why Children Cry at Maghrib Time: The Islamic Reason & How to Protect Them
It is a scenario every parent knows well. You are in your living room in London, or preparing dinner in Birmingham. The day has been fine. But the moment the sun begins to set (Maghrib), the atmosphere changes.
Your calm toddler starts throwing a tantrum. Your baby, who was sleeping peacefully, wakes up screaming. The house feels chaotic.
In the West, doctors and parenting books call this the "Witching Hour" or "Sundown Syndrome." They attribute it to overstimulation or tiredness. While these factors exist, Prophetic Medicine (Tibb an-Nabawi) offers a deeper explanation that every Muslim parent needs to know.
At Sunnah Diagnostic, we help you bridge the gap between physical parenting and spiritual protection. Here is why your children become unsettled at sunset and the Sunnah protocols to keep them safe.
The Islamic Explanation: The "Spreading" of the Devils
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave us specific guidance regarding this exact time of day. He warned us that sunset is not just a shift in light, but a shift in the unseen world.
The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "When the wings of the night spread (or when evening comes), restrain your children, for the devils spread out at that time. Then when an hour of the night has passed, you can let them go." (Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
Why does this affect children? Children are spiritually sensitive. They are pure (Fitrah) and often perceive or feel the presence of the Shayateen (devils) that adults cannot sense. When the devils "spread out" at Maghrib to seek shelter or cause chaos, children feel this negative energy intensely, leading to sudden fear, crying, or erratic behavior.
The UK & Europe Factor
Living in Northern Europe, the time of Maghrib changes drastically between summer and winter.
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In Winter, Maghrib can be as early as 3:45 PM.
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In Summer, it can be as late as 9:30 PM.
This shifting schedule makes it hard to maintain a routine, but the spiritual rule remains the same: When the sun turns red, bring them inside.
The Sunnah Protection Protocol (4 Steps)
To stop the crying and protect your home, follow this simple checklist every evening.
1. The "Lockdown" (Restrain & Close)
As the sun starts to set:
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Bring all children inside the house immediately.
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Close the doors and windows and say "Bismillah".
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The Prophet (saw) said: "Close the doors and mention Allah's name, for Shaytan does not open a closed door." (Al-Bukhari). This creates a physical and spiritual barrier that the devils cannot cross.
2. The "Cover" (Food & Drink)
Cover any food or drink left out on the table. The Shayateen seek to eat from food that is left open and not blessed. Ensuring your kitchen is "sealed" prevents negative energy from entering the home.
3. The "Shield" (Protective Adhkar)
Children cannot protect themselves. You must be their shield.
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Place your hand on your child’s head.
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Recite the 3 Quls (Ikhlas, Falaq, Naas).
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Recite the Prophetic Dua: "U’eethuka bi kalimatillaahit-taammaati min kulli shaytaanin wa haammah..." (I seek refuge for you in the perfect words of Allah...).
4. The "Soothing" (Sunnah Remedies)
If the child is already screaming or cannot settle, use the tools of the Sunnah to calm them.
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Dates: If they are old enough for solids, give them an Ajwa Date. It provides instant energy and spiritual protection.
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Olive Oil Massage: If it is a baby, gently massage their chest and back with Ruqyah Olive Oil. The recitation in the oil burns away the negative energy disturbing them and physically soothes their nervous system.
When Can I Relax?
The Hadith states: "Then when an hour of the night has passed, you can let them go." Usually, 45 minutes to 1 hour after Maghrib (once the sky is fully dark/Isha time), the intense rush of the Shayateen has passed. You will often notice a tangible calmness return to your child and your home at this time.
Peaceful Evenings Are Possible
You don't have to dread the sunset. By implementing these simple Sunnah habits, you transform the "Witching Hour" into an hour of protection and remembrance.
At Sunnah Diagnostic, we provide the Ruqyah Oils, Dates, and Honey you need to keep your family protected in the UK and Europe.
