I was sitting in Medina in the company of the Ansar when Abu Musa came trembling with fear. We said to him: What is the matter? He said: 'Umar (Allah be pleased with him) sent for me. I went to him and paid him salutation thrice at (his) door but he made no response to me and so I came back. Thereupon he ('Umar) said: What stood in your way that you did not turn up? I said: I did come to you and paid you salutations at your door three times but I was not given any response, so I came back as the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) has said: When any one of you seeks permission three times and he is not granted permission, he should come back. Umar said: Bring a witness to support that you say, otherwise I shall take you to task. Ubayy b. Ka'b said: None should stand with him (as a witness) but the youngest amongst the people. Abu Sa'id said: I am the youngest amongst the people, whereupon he said: Then you go with him (to support his contention).
The Book of Manners and Etiquette
Sahih Muslim 2153 a
Hadith Commentary
This narration from Sahih Muslim demonstrates the proper etiquette of seeking permission to enter another's home. Abu Musa's trembling indicates his reverence for both the caliph Umar and the prophetic teachings he was following.
The Prophet's instruction to return after three unanswered requests protects household privacy and prevents discomfort. Umar's demand for witnesses shows the importance of verifying religious rulings, while Ubayy ibn Ka'b's wisdom in selecting the youngest companion demonstrates how Islamic knowledge transcends age.
This hadith establishes that religious injunctions must be followed even with authorities, and that proper adab (etiquette) in seeking entry is an essential part of Islamic conduct that maintains social harmony and respects personal boundaries.