Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 94
Honoring the Guest
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibril (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrahim (Abraham)? When they came in to him and said: `Salam (peace be upon you),’ He answered: `Salam (peace be upon you),’ and said: `You are a people unknown to me.’ Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrahim (Abraham) was mainly cows]. And placed it before them, (saying): `Will you not eat?”’ (51: 24-27)
“And his (Lut’s) people came rushing towards him, and since aforetime they used to commit crimes (sodomy), he said: `O my people! Here are my daughters (i.e., the women of the nation), they are purer for you (if you marry them lawfully). So fear Allah and degrace me not with regard to my guests! Is there not among you a single right-minded man? ”’ (11:78)
706. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him show hospitality to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain good relation with kins; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
707. Abu Shuraih Khuwailid bin `Amr Al-Khuza`i (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) saying, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, should accommodate his guest according to his right.” He was asked: “What is his right, O Messenger of Allah?” He (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) replied: “It is (to accommodate him) for a day and a night, and hospitality extends for three days, and what is beyond that is charity.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In Muslim it is added: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is not permissible for a Muslim to stay so long with his brother till he makes him sinful.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, how can he make him sinful?” He replied, “He prolongs his stay with him till nothing is left with the host to entertain him (guest).”
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