Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

Sayyiduna Abu Mas’ud Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) says that an Ansari man, who was called Abu Shu’aib, had a slave who was a butcher. He said to his slave: “Prepare food, I am going to invite the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) along with five men.” He invited the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) along with five people. (When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, set out,) a man started following them. The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “You have invited us five people, this man is following us. If you wish, you may give him permission, and if you do not wish, let him stay.” He said: “Why not, I will give him (permission to eat the food).”