Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, "He who believes in God and the last day should honour his guest; he who believes in God and the last day should not annoy his neighbour ; and he who believes in God and the last day should say what is good, or keep silent." In a version instead of speaking of the neighbour he said, "He who believes in God and the last day should join ties of relationship."(Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Excellence of Honoring Guests
The command to honor one's guest is a manifestation of true faith, for hospitality reflects trust in Allah's provision and demonstrates generosity of spirit. The guest is under the protection of the host, and honoring them includes providing proper reception, comfortable accommodation, and gracious treatment for the customary period of three days.
Maintaining Kinship Ties
Silat ar-rahim (joining ties of relationship) is among the greatest acts of worship that strengthen the social fabric. This encompasses maintaining contact with relatives, visiting them, assisting them in need, and overlooking their faults. Severing kinship ties is a major sin that brings Allah's displeasure and curtails blessings.
The Wisdom of Guarding Speech
The instruction to "say what is good or keep silent" establishes a fundamental principle for Muslim conduct. Speech should either contain benefit—such as remembrance of Allah, enjoining good, or forbidding evil—or one should remain silent. This prevents backbiting, lying, vain talk, and other speech-related sins that damage spiritual purity.
Interconnected Virtues
These three injunctions—honoring guests, maintaining kinship, and guarding speech—are interconnected manifestations of complete faith. They demonstrate how belief in Allah and the Last Day must translate into practical social ethics that purify individual conduct while strengthening community bonds.