Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously. The guest's reward is: To provide him with a superior type of food for a night and a day and a guest is to be entertained with food for three days, and whatever is offered beyond that, is regarded as something given in charity. And it is not lawful for a guest to stay with his host for such a long period so as to put him in a critical position."
Narrated Malik:
Similarly as above (156) adding, "Who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet." (i.e. abstain from dirty and evil talk, and should think before uttering).
The Excellence of Hospitality
This noble hadith establishes hospitality as a fundamental characteristic of true faith. The Prophet (ﷺ) connects proper treatment of guests with complete iman (faith) in Allah and the Last Day, indicating that hospitality is not merely social etiquette but an essential religious obligation.
The phrase "should serve his guest generously" encompasses both the quality and quantity of hospitality, requiring Muslims to honor their guests with the best available provisions without miserliness or reluctance.
Specific Guidelines for Hospitality
The hadith provides clear temporal guidelines: one day and night of superior treatment, followed by two additional days of basic hospitality. This three-day period represents the obligatory minimum that reflects genuine faith.
Anything beyond three days is classified as voluntary charity (sadaqah), indicating the host's extra merit while relieving them of obligation. This balanced approach prevents hardship while encouraging ongoing generosity.
The Guest's Responsibility
The final portion establishes the guest's ethical responsibility: "it is not lawful for a guest to stay... so as to put him in a critical position." This prevents exploitation of hospitality and maintains the spirit of mutual consideration.
Guests must be sensitive to their host's circumstances and avoid overstaying their welcome, ensuring the beautiful tradition of hospitality remains sustainable and free from resentment.
The Additional Teaching on Speech
Malik's addition regarding speech ("should talk what is good or keep quiet") connects verbal conduct with the same foundation of faith. This teaches that true believers must guard their tongues as diligently as they practice hospitality.
The instruction to "think before uttering" emphasizes mindfulness in speech, preventing harm through careless words and ensuring all communication aligns with Islamic values of truth, benefit, and propriety.