Sincerity of Intention (الإخلاص)
Visiting should be for a permissible and righteous purpose such as maintaining kinship, brotherhood, advising, or comforting.
Evidence from the Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"A man set out to visit a brother of his in another village, and Allah appointed an angel on his path..."
The angel said: Allah loves you as you love him.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2567
This shows that visiting for Allah’s sake is an act of worship.
Seeking Permission Before Entering
One must not enter a house without permission, even if the person is close.
Evidence from the Qur’an
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَدْخُلُوا بُيُوتًا غَيْرَ بُيُوتِكُمْ حَتَّىٰ تَسْتَأْنِسُوا وَتُسَلِّمُوا عَلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا
"O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own until you seek permission and greet their inhabitants."
Reference: Qur’an 24:27
Giving Salam Before Speaking
The Sunnah is to begin with Salam before asking permission.
Evidence from the Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"He should say: As-salamu ‘alaykum. May I enter?"
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud: 5176
Authenticated by al-Albani
Seeking Permission Only Three Times
If permission is not granted after three attempts, one must leave.
Evidence from the Sunnah
"Seeking permission is three times. If permission is granted, then enter; otherwise, go back."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6245
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2153
Not Looking Inside the House
It is forbidden to peek or look inside while seeking permission.
Evidence from the Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"If someone looks into your house without permission and you throw a stone and put out his eye, there is no blame on you."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6902
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2158
This emphasizes the sanctity of privacy.
Standing to the Side of the Door
The visitor should not stand directly facing the door.
Evidence from the Sunnah
Abdullah ibn Busr رضي الله عنه said:
"When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to a door, he would not face it directly."
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud: 5186
Hasan according to al-Albani
Not Staying Too Long or Causing Discomfort
One should be mindful of the host’s time and circumstances.
Evidence from the Qur’an
فَإِذَا طَعِمْتُمْ فَانتَشِرُوا وَلَا مُسْتَأْنِسِينَ لِحَدِيثٍ
"And when you have eaten, disperse and do not remain for conversation."
Reference: Qur’an 33:53
Choosing Appropriate Times
Visiting at inappropriate times is discouraged.
Evidence from the Qur’an
ثَلَاثُ عَوْرَاتٍ لَّكُمْ
"Three times of privacy are appointed for you..."
Reference: Qur’an 24:58
This includes early morning, midday rest, and after ‘Isha.
Lowering the Gaze and Observing Modesty
A visitor must lower his gaze and guard modesty.
Evidence from the Qur’an
قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ
Reference: Qur’an 24:30
Actions and Sayings of the Salaf
Statement of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه
"Whoever fills his eyes from the house before being permitted has disobeyed Allah."
Reference: Tafsir Ibn Kathir: 6/66
Statement of Ibn Mas‘ud رضي الله عنه
"A man should not enter upon his mother or sister without seeking permission."
Reference: Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 26154
