As-Salamu-'Alaikum, here is 'Abdullah b. Qais, but he did not permit him (to get in). He (Abu Musa Ash'ari) again greeted him with as-Salamu-'Alaikum and said: Here is Abu Musa, but he (Hadrat 'Umar) did not permit him (to get in). He again said: As-Salam-u-'Alaikum, (and said) here is Ash'ari, (then receiving no response he came back). He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Bring him back to me, bring him back to me So he went there (in the presence of Hadrat 'Umar) and he said to him: Abu Musa, what made you go back, while we were busy in some work? He said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may. peace be upon him) as saying: Permission should be sought thrice. And if you are permitted, (then get in), otherwise go back. He said: Bring witness to this fact, otherwise I shall do this and that, i. e. I shall punish you. Abu Musa went away and 'Umar said to him (on his departure): It he (Abu Musa) finds a witness he should meet him by the side of the pulpit in the evening and it he does not find a witness you would not find him there. When it was evening he (Hadrat 'Umar) found him (Abu Musa) there. He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Abu Musa, have you been able to find a witness to what you have said? He said: Yes. Here is Ubayy bin Ka'b, whereupon he (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Yes, he is an authentic (witness). He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Abu Tufail (the kunya of Ubayy b. Ka'b), what does he (Abu Musa say? Thereupon he said: Ibn Khattab, I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying so. Do not prove to be a hard (task-master) for the Companions of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), whereupon he Hadrat 'Umar said: Hallowed be Allah. I had heard something (in this connection), but I wished it to be established (as an undeniable fact).
The Book of Manners and Etiquette - Sahih Muslim 2154a
This narration from Sahih Muslim establishes the fundamental Islamic etiquette of seeking permission before entering a private space. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that one should seek permission three times. If granted entry after any of these requests, one may enter; if not, one must depart respectfully.
Scholarly Commentary on Seeking Permission
The incident between Abu Musa al-Ash'ari and Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab demonstrates the importance Companions placed on verifying prophetic traditions. Umar's initial skepticism wasn't rejection but a rigorous approach to authenticating hadith, ensuring only verified teachings would become established practice.
Ubayy ibn Ka'b's testimony confirms the three-time permission rule, showing how multiple witnesses strengthened transmission chains. His gentle admonishment "Do not prove to be hard for the Companions" reflects the balance between verification and respect among scholars.
Practical Applications
This teaching applies to physical spaces like homes and offices, and modern contexts like digital communication. The three attempts prevent intrusion while giving occupants adequate notice. The requirement to leave if unanswered respects privacy and prevents awkwardness.
Umar's final acceptance shows proper scholarly conduct: when evidence is established, one submits regardless of prior opinion. His exclamation "Hallowed be Allah" demonstrates the humility required in accepting verified truth.