Written by: Maqbool Ahmad Salafi
Islamic Da'wah Center, Northern Taif – Misrah, Saudi Arabia✦ The Esteemed Status of Hospitality in Islam
Hospitality (ḍiyāfah) holds a highly honored place in Islam. Yet, in today’s materialistic era, many Muslims are seen neglecting this noble trait. Only a few, by Allah's grace, are blessed with the honor of serving guests, while most remain deprived.
This is not because there is a scarcity of food or social gatherings. In fact, we excel in organizing feasts and events—but where are the gatherings that include the poor, the hungry, or the orphaned? Most contemporary invitations resemble the scenario described by Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه:
عن أبي هريرةَ أنه كان يقول : بئسَ الطعامُ طعامُ الوليمةِ يُدعى إليه الأغنياءُ ويُترك المساكين، فمن لم يأتِ الدَّعوةِ ، فقد عصى اللهَ ورسولَه
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1432]
Translation: Abu Hurayrah used to say: “Wretched is the food of the wedding feast where only the rich are invited, and the poor are left out. Whoever does not respond to the invitation has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger.”
✦ A Qur’anic Example of True Hospitality
The Qur'an praises an Anṣārī companion for his remarkable hospitality. Allah says:
وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ ۚ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ
[Sūrah al-Ḥashr: 9]
Translation: “And they give preference to others over themselves, even though they are in need. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of their soul—it is they who will be successful.”
This verse refers to a moving incident recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī:
A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I am hungry.” The Prophet ﷺ sent him to his wives, but none had any food. The Prophet ﷺ then said: “Is there anyone who can host this man tonight? May Allah have mercy on him.” An Anṣārī companion (Abū Ṭalḥah) stood up and offered to host him. He took the man home and told his wife: “This guest is from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Do not keep anything back from him.” She replied, “By Allah, I have nothing except food for the children.” He said, “Distract the children, and when the guest enters, extinguish the lamp. Let us spend the night hungry.” They did so, and the next morning the Prophet ﷺ informed them: “Allah admired what you did for your guest.” Then the above verse was revealed.
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 4889]
SubḥānAllāh! How great are those hosts whom Allah praises in the Qur’an?
✦ The Virtue of Feeding Others
Feeding others and hosting guests is a virtuous and highly rewarding act. The Prophet ﷺ said:
خيرُكُمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَ الطعامَ ، وردَّ السلامَ
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ: 3318]
Translation: “The best among you is the one who feeds others and greets with salām.”
Conversely, one who avoids hospitality is deprived of goodness:
لا خيرَ فِيمَنْ لا يُضِيفُ
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ: 7492]
Translation: “There is no good in the one who does not host guests.”
The Prophet ﷺ went so far as to say that if someone refuses to host, the guest may take his right by force:
إن نزلتم بقومٍ ، فأُمِرَ لكم بما ينبغي للضيفِ فاقْبَلُوا ، فإن لم يَفعلوا ، فخذوا منهم حقَّ الضيفِ
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 2461]
Translation: “If you stop with some people and they offer you what a guest deserves, accept it. But if they do not, then take your right as a guest.”
Because of such texts, some scholars have deemed hospitality obligatory upon the host—especially in the case of travelers or those genuinely in need.
✦ Hosting is Part of Faith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
مَن كان يُؤمِنُ باللهِ واليومِ الآخِرِ فلْيُكرِمْ جارَهُ، ومَن كان يُؤمِنُ باللهِ واليومِ الآخِرِ فلْيُكرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ جائِزَتَه... الضِّيافَةُ ثلاثةُ أيامٍ، فما كان وَراءَ ذلك فهو صدَقَةٌ عليه
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6019]
Translation: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his neighbor. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest with his due.” The Companions asked: “What is his due, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied: “One day and one night. Hospitality is for three days, and whatever is beyond that is charity.”
The three levels of hosting:
① Obligatory: Hosting for one day and one night
② Recommended: Extending hospitality for two additional days
③ Voluntary charity: Hosting beyond three days
Note: The “guest” (ḍayf) in these hadith refers to a traveler, whether relative or stranger. A casual visit from a local acquaintance does not impose an obligation. However, feeding relatives is part of ṣilah raḥmī (maintaining ties), and feeding others is an act of iḥsān (kindness).✦ Etiquettes for the Host
✔ Welcome the guest warmly with a smile and greetings.
✔ Provide a comfortable and private space for rest.
✔ Serve food promptly, especially to tired travelers.
✔ The first meal should be according to your capacity; the rest can be simple.
✔ Eat alongside your guest—it builds love and sincerity.
✔ Avoid any behavior that might hurt or offend the guest.
✔ When they leave, walk them out and bid them farewell respectfully.
✦ Etiquettes for the Guest
✔ Visit at an appropriate time—not too early or late.
✔ Do not make demands for food or accommodation.
✔ Avoid criticizing the food—say mā shā’ Allāh if asked.
✔ Thank Allah first, then the host for their generosity.
✔ Do not overstay beyond three days. The Prophet ﷺ said:
الضيافة ثلاثة ايام... ولا يحل لرجل مسلم ان يقيم عند اخيه حتى يؤثمه... يقيم عنده ولا شيء له يقريه به
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 4514]
Translation: “Hospitality is for three days. A Muslim should not stay with his brother to the point that he burdens him and causes him to sin.”
✔ Before leaving, seek permission and inform the family.
✦ Beautiful Duʿās for the Host
It is sunnah for the guest to make duʿāʾ for the host and their family:
اللهمَّ ! بارِكْ لهم في ما رزقتَهم . واغفرْ لهم وارحمْهم
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 2042]
Translation: “O Allah! Bless them in what You have provided them, forgive them, and have mercy on them.”
اللهمَّ ! أطعِمْ مَن أطعَمني . وأسْقِ من أسقاني
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 2055]
Translation: “O Allah! Feed the one who fed me, and give drink to the one who gave me drink.”
✦ Final Words
Hosting is not only limited to travelers. Inviting each other for meals is a Sunnah, and increases love and brotherhood. Whenever someone visits our home, we should offer whatever is within our means—even if it’s just a glass of water.
Feeding the poor, orphans, the needy, and the destitute is an act of great reward. May Allah grant us understanding of the religion and enable us to act upon it.
Āmīn.
