(The period of the entertainment of a guest is three days, and utmost kindness and courtesy is for a day and a night. =" It is not permissible for a Muslim to stay with, his brother until he makes him sinful. They said: Messenger of Allah, how he would make him sinful? He (the Holy Prophet) said: He stays with him (so long) that nothing is left with him to entertain him.
The Book of Lost Property - Sahih Muslim 48 c
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and companions.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim establishes the Islamic etiquette of hospitality, clarifying that the recommended period for hosting a guest is three days. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further specified that the highest standard of courtesy and generosity is expected for the first day and night.
The phrase "utmost kindness and courtesy" (al-jawārī ḥaqqahā) refers to the host's obligation to provide the best available food, accommodation, and treatment during this initial period.
Spiritual Wisdom
The prohibition against overstaying one's welcome stems from the Islamic principle of preventing hardship (rafʿ al-ḥaraj). When a guest remains beyond three days, they may burden their host financially or socially, potentially leading the host to resent the guest - thus making both parties vulnerable to sin.
The Companions' question "how would he make him sinful?" demonstrates their desire to understand the subtle wisdom behind this ruling. The Prophet's response reveals that excessive staying exhausts the host's resources and patience, potentially causing them to entertain negative thoughts or speak harshly.
Practical Application
Scholars have derived from this hadith that hospitality beyond three days becomes voluntary charity (ṣadaqah) rather than an obligation. The guest should be mindful of the host's circumstances and depart before causing any hardship.
This teaching balances the rights of both guest and host, preserving brotherhood while preventing potential conflicts. It reflects Islam's comprehensive approach to social relations, where every interaction is governed by divine wisdom and consideration for others' wellbeing.