Question
I sometimes get reminded not to whistle at night, because then the Sheytan might come…
This, they say is reported in the hadeeths, but I’m really disturbed by the false understanding of these people. They obviously lack intellectual understanding and they are either reproducing the hadeeth with their own words mixed with their false interpretation or they are repeating the words of other people, which is even worse.
Please clarify if such a narration exists, and if it does please interpret.
May Peace be with you
Answer
For us to be able to present our opinion regarding any Hadith, we would appreciate if you would kindly send us the complete reference of that Hadith.
Nevertheless, whatever the case maybe your frustrations are understandable. It becomes quite bothersome to many when certain concepts are developed and spread without, either, the true understanding of the source or any factual basis in religious doctrine. Much of what you have noted is quite accurate. In saying that I would like to point out that many people have, advertently or inadvertently, allowed for alien ideologies to creep into their belief systems. This tends to spread like wildfire, especially when people become unyieldingly insistent that this, whatever it may be, is part of religion. It’s an unfortunate state of affairs yet Islam has provided checks and balances so that these things do not infiltrate the core body of Islamic beliefs. The Qur’an and Sunnah are perfectly protected and cannot be disturbed or corrupted by any one person or generation of people. Thus, our fears may be allayed with some good research.
The Shai’tan or Satan comes in contact with human beings via all his deceptive ways. When an individual opens up to the suggestions, that’s when the person invites the evil into his/her life. The point here is that whistling at night to call upon the Devil is clearly not coherent with Islamic beliefs. It sounds more like superstition. However, since I have not found any authentic religious material then I would only posit that this is only my opinion of this concept, as I do not have the full scope or context of this belief. I am only going by what you have cited. If someone does mention such an idea, ask the person for the source and if you find it contemplate over it. Also, if the source is given to you I would like to invite you to write to us again so that we may clarify it. Lastly, please take kind and reasonable measures in rejecting ideas and those who present them. It can be very difficult, but you must try your best to help those misguided even on these small issues. It will be up to them to accept your explanation or to reject it. Your job is done when you have conveyed the message as best and as accurately as you can.
I hope I have clarified the issue.
God knows best.