Abu Shuraih al-Ka'bi reported God's messenger as saying, "He who believes in God and the last day should honour his guest. Provisions for the road are what will serve for a day and a night; hospitality extends for three days ; what goes beyond that is sadaqa ; and it is not allowable that a guest should stay till he makes himself an encumbrance.'' (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Excellence of Honoring Guests
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the profound connection between faith and hospitality, making the honoring of guests an essential manifestation of true belief in Allah and the Last Day.
The Three Levels of Hospitality
The Messenger of Allah delineated three distinct periods: The first level is the basic provision for a day and night, which is the minimal obligation. The second level extends to three days of full hospitality, which is the recommended Sunnah. Beyond three days, any further hosting becomes voluntary charity (sadaqah), bringing additional reward but not being obligatory.
The Wisdom in Time Limitations
The prohibition against overstaying until becoming a burden reflects the Islamic principle of moderation and consideration for others. This prevents hardship upon the host and maintains the beauty of the guest-host relationship, ensuring that hospitality remains an act of worship rather than a source of difficulty.
Scholarly Commentary from Mishkat al-Masabih
As explained in Mishkat al-Masabih 4244, this hadith demonstrates how Islam beautifully balances rights and responsibilities. The guest has the right to be honored, while the host has the right not to be burdened excessively. This balance reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings in the book "Foods" and social conduct.
Practical Application in Modern Times
This teaching remains profoundly relevant today. The essence is to welcome guests warmly for three days as an expression of faith, while guests should be mindful not to overstay their welcome. This preserves the spirit of generosity while maintaining healthy social boundaries.