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The conduct of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, with guests and hosts
Introduction:
The true concept of hospitality is not something that is widely practiced by many people nowadays. For many people, the entertainment of guests is of primary importance in many cases for worldly reasons only,not rooted in real hospitality for the sake of Allah.
In Islam, however, hospitality is a great virtue that holds a significant purpose. Being hospitable to guests can increase societal ties as well as unite an entire community. Most importantly, Allah commands Muslims to be hospitable to guests. There is a great reward in doing so. Hospitality in Islam is multi-faceted and covers many different areas in addition to the hospitality that we show guests who visit our homes.
This is clearly manifested in many Islamic texts such as the saying of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, which was narrated by Abu Hurayrah when he said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest.”
The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, as a host:
The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the most generous of all people and he would give abundantly, especially during the seasons of virtue. Ibn ‘Abbaas narrated: “The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the most generous of all people in giving, and the most generous he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, would be was in the month of Ramadhaan. The angel Gabriel used to come to him every year in Ramadhaan until it was over, and he would review the Quran with the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam. So when the angel Gabriel met him he would be more generous than a wind (that continuously and strongly blows, indicating his speed and generosity in spending).
Anas ibn Maalik narrated:
“The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the best of people, the most generous of people, and the bravest of people.”
Ibn Hibbaan (a scholar) said:
“From the most specific aspects of generosity is to treat guests well. The Arabs only considered generosity to be honoring a guest and feeding others, and whoever did not have these characteristics was not considered generous. This was to the extent that some of them would travel a mile or two looking for a guest.
The Mother of the Believers, Khadeejah (the wife of the Prophet) was the most knowledgeable of all people regarding the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and she described him with these words: “By Allah, you keep the ties of kinship, are truthful, support the incapable person (such as the weak, children) give to the poor, honor the guests, and help (others) during calamities.”
She mentioned from his attributes “honoring the guest.” The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the best at treating his guests and delegations well. The good conduct of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, showed whether he was the one receiving guests, or he was being invited
Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah (a Companion) narrated: “The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was never asked anything and said: No.”
An-Nawawi (a scholar) said:
“This means that he was never asked for a worldly thing and answered: “No,” which shows the greatness of his generosity.”
