The Rights of Guests in Islam

In Islam, guests have the right to be shown generosity. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day let him be generous to his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day let him be generous to his guest in what he gives.” A man said, “And what should he give O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.)” He replied, “A day and a night, and one must honor his guest for three days. Whoever does more… then it is a charity for him. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day let him speak fair or stay quiet.” [al-Bukhari]

1. Honouring Guest is a Righteous Deed

Islam regards honoring one’s guest as a righteous deed for which he will be rewarded. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

“There is no person like a person who takes the reigns [of his horse] and fights for the sake of Allah, avoiding people’s evil, and a person among his sheep in the outskirts giving meal to his guest, honoring his right.” [Ahmad & al-Haakim]

2. Greet Your Guest Honorably

Islam has also described the manner in which a person should treat his guest. He should greet him honorably with a cheerful face and part with him in a good way. >

3. Do Not Overburdening Your Host

The guest, however, should also take the conditions of his host into consideration, not burdening him with what he cannot afford. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

“It is unlawful for a Muslim to stay with his brother until he makes him fall into sin.” They say, “O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), how can he (the guest) make him (the host) fall into sin?” He () replied, “That he stays with him while he does not have [enough money] to serve him food.” [Muslim]

Imam Ghazali wrote in his book, “Ihyaa ‘Uloom-ud-Deen” (i.e.: Revival of Religious Sciences) about Prophet Muhammad ():

“The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) would honor his guests. He would even spread his garment for a non-relative guest to sit. He used to offer his guest his own cushion and insist until they accept it . No one came to him as a guest but thought that he was the most generous of people. He gave each one of his companions sitting with him his due portion of his attention.

He would direct his listening, speech, gaze and attention to those who were in his company. Even then, his gathering was characterized by modesty, humbleness and honesty. He would call his companions by their kunyah to honor them… He was the farthest from being angry and the easiest to be contented.”