Abu Shurayh at Adawi (ra) said that his ears heard eyes observed that The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was saying," he who believes in Allah and the last day should honour his neighbor. He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should take great care of the Jaizah his guest." (Jaizah is a provision for a guest that is superior to one’s everyday meal.) The narrator asked," what is his Jaizah, O messenger of Allah?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said," his Jaizah, extends over one day and one night while (general) hospitality extends over three days. And beyond that t(that is after three days) is counted as Sadaqah (meaning, whatever the host spends after three days on his guest will be under the head of Sadaqah because hospitality ends at three days). And he who believes in Allah and the last day should speak a good word or keep silent."
Hadith Commentary: The Rights of Neighbors and Guests
This noble hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 741 establishes three fundamental principles of Islamic social conduct, each linked to the completeness of one's faith in Allah and the Last Day. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) connects true belief with honorable treatment of neighbors, generous hospitality toward guests, and mindful speech.
The Excellence of Honoring One's Neighbor
The command to honor one's neighbor encompasses both negative and positive obligations. Negatively, it means refraining from harm through words, actions, or property. Positively, it includes offering assistance, sharing food, maintaining pleasant interaction, and overlooking minor faults. Scholars note that "neighbor" includes Muslims and non-Muslims alike, with some interpretations extending this right up to forty houses in all directions.
The Distinguished Provision for Guests (Jaizah)
The term "Jaizah" refers to a special provision offered to guests that surpasses the host's ordinary meals. This demonstrates the honor Islam gives to guests and reflects the host's generosity. The Prophet specified that this special treatment lasts for one day and night, after which general hospitality continues for two more days. This distinction shows that while extraordinary effort is appreciated, it is not required beyond the initial reception.
The Duration of Hospitality
Islamic scholars explain that mandatory hospitality extends for three days. Beyond this period, any provision given to the guest is considered voluntary charity (Sadaqah). This ruling prevents undue burden on hosts while encouraging continued generosity. The three-day limit reflects practical wisdom, balancing the rights of guests with the capabilities of hosts.
The Virtue of Mindful Speech
The final injunction to "speak a good word or keep silent" completes the triad of social responsibilities. Scholars interpret this as meaning one should either speak beneficial, truthful words that please Allah or remain silent. This teaching protects against backbiting, slander, vain talk, and all forms of harmful speech, recognizing the tongue's potential for both great good and great harm.
Integration of Faith and Action
The repeated phrase "he who believes in Allah and the Last Day" emphasizes that true faith must manifest in righteous conduct. These social obligations are not mere etiquette but essential expressions of genuine belief. The comprehensive nature of this hadith covers relationships with neighbors, guests, and society at large through mindful speech, making it a cornerstone of Islamic social ethics.