The Rights of Guests in Islam
In Islam, guests have the right to be shown generosity. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day let him be generous to his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day let him be generous to his guest in what he gives.” A man said, “And what should he give O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)” He replied, “A day and a night, and one must honor his guest for three days. Whoever does more… then it is a charity for him. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day let him speak fair or stay quiet.” [al-Bukhari]
- Honouring Guest is a Righteous Deed
Islam regards honoring one’s guest as a righteous deed for which he will be rewarded. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“There is no person like a person who takes the reigns [of his horse] and fights for the sake of Allah, avoiding people’s evil, and a person among his sheep in the outskirts giving meal to his guest, honoring his right.” [Ahmad & al-Haakim]
- Greet Your Guest Honorably
Islam has also described the manner in which a person should treat his guest. He should greet him honorably with a cheerful face and part with him in a good way.
- Do Not Overburdening Your Host
The guest, however, should also take the conditions of his host into consideration, not burdening him with what he cannot afford. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“It is unlawful for a Muslim to stay with his brother until he makes him fall into sin.” They say, “O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), how can he (the guest) make him (the host) fall into sin?” He (r) replied, “That he stays with him while he does not have [enough money] to serve him food.” [Muslim]
Imam Ghazali (rahimahullah) wrote in his book, “Ihyaa ‘Uloom-ud-Deen” (i.e.: Revival of Religious Sciences) about Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam):
“The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would honor his guests. He would even spread his garment for a non-relative guest to sit. He used to offer his guest his own cushion and insist until they accept it . No one came to him as a guest but thought that he was the most generous of people. He gave each one of his companions sitting with him his due portion of his attention.
He would direct his listening, speech, gaze and attention to those who were in his company. Even then, his gathering was characterized by modesty, humbleness and honesty. He would call his companions by their kunyah to honor them… He was the farthest from being angry and the easiest to be contented.”
Nabi’s (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and the Sahabah’s hospitality towards the delegation of ‘Abd Qays
When the delegation [Wafd] of ‘Abd Qays came to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), the Sahabah welcomed them and made space in the gathering for them. Their leader Mundhir ibn ‘Aaidh first tied up the animals, gathered their goods, changed his garments and only then came to meet Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) gave him a warm welcome and discussed with him the different cities, mentioning the name of every city. Sayyiduna Mundhir ibn ‘Aaidh was impressed and remarked, ‘You are more aware than us regarding the names of our cities and towns.’
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) then ordered the Ansar to take care of these guests. The next morning Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked them regarding the hospitality of the Ansar. They replied, ‘They were the best of brothers; they gave us soft beds, gave us excellent food, taught us Quran and Sunnah at night and in the morning.’
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was overjoyed and revised with each one of them, one at a time, what they had learnt. Some has learnt Surah Fatihah and one or two other Surahs, some At Tahiyyat.
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) then praised the ‘Barni‘ date which they had brought along with as provisions on their journey. Finally, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prohibited them from consuming drinks from certain types of utensils.
Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration. ‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the narrators reliable (thiqat).
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 4 pg. 206/207)
