My ears heard and my eyes saw the Prophet (ﷺ) when he spoke, "Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his neighbor generously, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should serve his guest generously by giving him his reward." It was asked. "What is his reward, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He said, "(To be entertained generously) for a day and a night with high quality of food and the guest has the right to be entertained for three days (with ordinary food) and if he stays longer, what he will be provided with will be regarded as Sadaqa (a charitable gift). And anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet (i.e. abstain from all kinds of dirty and evil talks).
Hadith Commentary: The Rights of Neighbors and Guests
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari contains three fundamental Islamic teachings that distinguish true faith. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) repeatedly emphasizes "whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day" to establish these as essential manifestations of genuine faith, not mere optional virtues.
The Right of the Neighbor
"Should serve his neighbor generously" encompasses material assistance, kind treatment, protection from harm, and sharing blessings. Classical scholars like Imam Nawawi explained that neighborhood rights include: greeting them kindly, visiting them when sick, consoling them in hardship, congratulating them in joy, overlooking their faults, and patiently bearing any annoyance they may cause.
The generosity mentioned is comprehensive - it includes sharing food, offering loans, giving gifts, and providing whatever assistance they need. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari notes that the Prophet's repetition of "whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day" before each injunction shows these are necessary components of complete faith.
The Right of the Guest
The guest's rights are specified with precise durations: one day and night of generous hospitality with the best available food, followed by two additional days of adequate provision. After three days, further hosting becomes voluntary charity. This balanced approach prevents both neglect of guests and undue burden on hosts.
Scholars differentiate between "reward" (the first day's generous treatment) and ordinary hospitality. Al-Qurtubi explains that the "reward" refers to the host's spiritual reward from Allah, while also indicating the guest's right to excellent treatment initially.
Guarding One's Speech
"Should talk what is good or keep quiet" establishes the Islamic ethic of speech. Imam al-Ghazali elaborates that every word should either contain benefit or at least avoid harm. Silence is safer than useless speech, while good speech includes remembrance of Allah, beneficial knowledge, kind words, and truthful communication.
This teaching connects external social conduct with internal spiritual state. Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that controlling one's tongue is among the highest forms of worship, as it demonstrates mastery over one's lower self and commitment to pleasing Allah in all affairs.
Integration of Faith and Conduct
This hadith beautifully demonstrates how Islamic faith manifests in practical conduct. Belief in Allah and the Hereafter naturally produces excellence in social interactions, hospitality, and speech. The three injunctions together create a complete framework for righteous living that benefits both the individual and society.
As recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 6019 under the book "Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)," these teachings remind us that true faith must translate into beautiful character and proper social relations, fulfilling both the rights of Allah and the rights of His creation.