Explain to me the covering of pictures and food at night. Newspapers and magazines lying around the house with pictures. Must they be put away at night before sleeping.

1. Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said that, 'The Malaaikah do not enter into those homes wherein there are dogs and pictures (of animate objects).' (Mishkaat pg.385). In the light of this Hadith, we understand that animate pictures should not be kept in the house, hence, newspapers and magazines should be removed from the house after being used. 2. In a portion of a lengthy Hadith narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Jibraaeel (Alayhis salaam), Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) reported to have said, 'When nightfall sets in, then cover your utensils whilst taking the name of Allah Ta'ala even though you may have to place something across it.' (Mishkaat pg.372)
We understand from the above Hadith that if utensils are not entirely covered but something is placed across them, together with taking the name of Allah Ta'ala, it will suffice. (Mirqaat vol.8 pg.230; Pakitan)

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best