He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should honour his guest provisions for the road are what will serve for a day and night: hospitality extends for three days; what goes after that is sadaqah(charity): and it is not allowable that a guest should stay till he makes himself an encumbrance.
Abu Dawud said: Malik was asked about the saying of the Prophet: "Provisions for the road what will serve for a day a night." He said: He should honor him, present him some gift, and protect him for a day and night, and hospitality for three days.
Narrated by Abu Shuraih al-Ka’bi reported the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) as sayings:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasizes the importance of hospitality, particularly for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. He instructs that a guest should be honored with provisions for a day and night, and hospitality should extend for three days. Beyond that, any further support is considered charity. This highlights the value of treating guests with respect and ensuring they do not become a burden.
Modern Application
When hosting guests, it is essential to make them feel welcome and comfortable. This can be achieved by providing meals and a place to stay for a few days, ensuring they feel valued and respected. Practicing this principle fosters strong relationships and a sense of community.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Ethics of Interaction and Hospitality in Islam because it outlines the expected conduct towards guests and the significance of hospitality in Islamic teachings.
And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days. Then whoever hastens [his departure] in two days - there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays [until the third] - there is no sin upon him - for him who fears Allah. And fear Allah and know that unto Him you will be gathered.
But among the bedouins are some who believe in Allah and the Last Day and consider what they spend as means of nearness to Allah and of [obtaining] invocations of the Messenger. Unquestionably, it is a means of nearness for them. Allah will admit them to His mercy. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
So give the relative his right, as well as the needy and the traveler. That is best for those who desire the countenance of Allah, and it is they who will be the successful.
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
And when they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allah. That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allah and the Last day. And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out
This hadith is #3749 from Sunan Abu Dawud, in the Book of Foods (Kitab Al-At'imah). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Abu Shuraih al-Ka’bi reported the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) as sayings:.
