My eare listened and my eye saw when Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) spoke and said: He who believes In Allah and the eireafter should show respect to the guest even with utmost kindness and courtesy. They said: Messenger of Allah, what is this utmost kindness and courtesy? He replied: It is for a day and a night. Hospitality extends for three days, and what is beyond that is a Sadaqa for him; and he who believes in Allah and the Hereafter should say something good or keep quiet.
The Book of Lost Property - Sahih Muslim 48 b
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Hadith Text
"He who believes in Allah and the Hereafter should show respect to the guest even with utmost kindness and courtesy. They said: Messenger of Allah, what is this utmost kindness and courtesy? He replied: It is for a day and a night. Hospitality extends for three days, and what is beyond that is a Sadaqa for him; and he who believes in Allah and the Hereafter should say something good or keep quiet."
Commentary on Hospitality
The Prophet (ﷺ) establishes that honoring guests is from the completeness of faith. The "utmost kindness" (literally "his welcome") refers to the basic obligation of one day and night - this is the minimum required from every Muslim for their guest.
The three-day period represents the complete Sunnah of hospitality. Beyond three days, any hosting becomes voluntary charity (Sadaqa), demonstrating the generosity Islam encourages while preventing burden upon hosts.
Wisdom in Speech
The concluding instruction connects guest rights with speech ethics. True faith manifests in controlling one's tongue - either speaking good or maintaining silence. This prevents harm, preserves dignity, and reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic manners that encompass both actions and words.
Legal Rulings
Scholars agree that hosting for one day and night is obligatory (wajib) for capable Muslims. The full three days is highly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah). The guest should be mindful not to overstay and burden their host, as the Prophet (ﷺ) taught moderation in all matters.