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Etiquettes related to Hosting
By Abu Bakr Al Jazairi
A Muslim believes that it is
obligatory to be generous to a guest and to give him what he
needs.
Allah's Messenger [Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam (SAWS) / peace be
upon him] stated: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day
should be generous to his visiting guest." (Al-Bukhari and
Muslim)
Allah's Messenger (SAWS) also said: "Whoever believes in Allah
and the Last Day should be generous to his guest. His Jaizah
(special gift) is one day and night. He is to be entertained for
three days. Whatever is beyond that is an act of charity."
Therefore, when it comes to hospitality, the Muslim adheres to
the following manners.
1. A Muslim should only invite the pious and avoid the evildoers
and wicked folk. Allah's Messenger (SAWS) said:
"Do not be a companion except to a believer and let only the
pious eat your food." (Abu Dawud)
2. A Muslim should not just invite the rich and exclude the
poor. Allah's Messenger (SAWS) said:
"The worst food is the food of a feast in which the rich were
invited and not the poor." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
3. A Muslim should not be inviting others for the sake of show
and boasting. Instead, he should do it in imitation of Allah's
Messenger Muhammad (SAWS) and the Prophets before him, such as
Allah's Messenger Ibrahim (Abraham) who was known as "Abu al-Dheefaan
(Father of the guests)." He also should have the intention to
bring happiness to the believers and spread joy and good
feelings in the hearts of the brothers.
4. He should not invite anyone he knows who will disrupt the
gathering or harm any of those present. This is in order to
avoid banning a Muslim, which is a forbidden act.
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