Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam
has said that whoever has faith in Allah Ta’ala and the ‘Akhirah’ needs to honour his guest; a guest is entitled to special treatment for a day and night, while hospitality may be extended for three days and nights; it is not proper for the guest to stay too long, as it may cause hardship to the host. (Mishkaat)Note: This Hadith lays down two points of etiquette, one each for the host and the guest. The courtesy to be shown
by the host is that, if he believes in Allah Ta’ala and the Akhirah as has been mentioned in the previous Hadith, he
must honour his guest, which is to treat him broadmindedly and talk to him politely. One Hadith says that a person
should accompany his guest upto the door.
Uqbah Radhiallaho anho has quoted Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam as saying that whoever does not show
hospitality is devoid of virtue. Samorah Radhiallaho anho says Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam used to
entertain a guest with a feast. Someone saw Ali Radhiallaho anho weeping and asked him the cause. The reply
was that seven days had passed without his having entertained a guest and he feared lest Allah Ta’ala might intend
to dishonour him.
Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam ordered that a guest be treated well and given special treatment for a day
and night. The latter point has been explained differently by Ulama. Imaam Maalik Rahmatullah alaihe says that he
may be shown special favour such as presents or special food for one day and night, and normal food (of the
family) thereafter.
