The Prophet’s ﷺ Exemplary Conduct with Guests and Hosts
The Behavior of the Prophet ﷺ with Guests and Hosts
The noble character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the best example for all of humanity in every phase of his life. Allah Almighty bestowed a great favor upon the people, especially the believers, by sending His Messenger among them. Allah says in the Quran:
لَقَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ (آل عمران:164)
Translation: “Indeed, Allah has conferred a great favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves who recites to them His verses, purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.”
The Prophet ﷺ guided us to every type of good and warned us against all types of evil. As a human being, he was the best example in practicing goodness and avoiding wrongdoing. Through this article, I will highlight the Prophet ﷺ’s exemplary conduct with guests and hosts. In Arabic, a guest is referred to as “ضیف” (Dhif) and the host is called “مضیف” or “مستضیف” (Muzayf or Mustazif), and from here, the term “ضیافت” (Diyafat), meaning hospitality or invitation, is derived.
The Prophet’s Exemplary Hospitality: Lessons from His Life:
When we look at the life of the Prophet ﷺ, especially his treatment of guests and hosts, we find that he exhibited the finest behavior. I will first establish five general reasons to demonstrate that he was the best example, followed by specific examples.
First Reason:
The Arab nation was renowned for its generosity, and the Quran mentions the hospitality of the polytheists in Surah At-Tawbah (19), where it refers to the act of serving the pilgrims, which was considered the highest act, even above faith and jihad. The story behind the revelation of this verse is as follows:
Saidna Nu’man ibn Bashir (RA) narrated that he was sitting by the Prophet ﷺ’s pulpit when a person said that he did not care about being a Muslim as long as he could offer water to the pilgrims. Another person said that the construction of the Sacred Mosque was more important than other deeds. A third person said that jihad was superior to all actions. Umar ibn Khattab (RA) scolded them and said not to speak so loudly in front of the Prophet ﷺ on a Friday, but he would ask him after the Friday prayer. After this, Allah revealed the verse: “أَجَعَلْتُمْ سِقَايَةَ الْحَاجِّ وَعِمَارَةَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ كَمَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ” – “Have you made the providing of water to the pilgrims and the upkeep of the Sacred Mosque equal to the faith in Allah and the Last Day? Indeed, they are not equal” (Sahih Muslim: 4871).
Even before Prophet Muhammad ﷺ became a prophet, he was known for his excellent character and respect for human dignity, including his renowned hospitality. This is why, when the first revelation was revealed to him in the cave of Hira, and he felt terrified, his wife, Khadijah (RA), reassured him with these words:
كَلَّا، أبْشِرْ فَوَاللَّهِ لا يُخْزِيكَ اللَّهُ أَبَدًا، فَوَاللَّهِ إِنَّكَ لَتَصِلُ الرَّحِمَ، وتَصْدُقُ الحَدِيثَ، وتَحْمِلُ الكَلَّ ، وتَكْسِبُ المَعْدُومَ ، وتَقْرِي الضَّيْفَ، وتُعِينُ عَلَى نَوَائِبِ الْحَقِّ (صحيح البخاري: 4953)
Translation: “No, be happy! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. By Allah, you maintain the ties of kinship, speak the truth, bear the burdens of others, assist those who have nothing, host your guests, and help those in distress.”
This shows that the Prophet ﷺ was an excellent host long before he was commissioned as a prophet.
Second Reason:
Serving and hosting guests has been the tradition of the Prophets. The Quran mentions the hospitality of Prophet Ibrahim (AS):
هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ، إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا سَلَامًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَامٌ قَوْمٌ مُّنكَرُونَ، فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ، فَقَرَّبَهُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَالَ أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ (الذاریات: 24-27)
Translation: “Have you heard the story of Ibrahim’s (AS) honored guests? When they entered upon him and said ‘Salam,’ he replied, ‘Salam, a people unknown.’ Then he went to his family and brought a roasted calf, placed it before them, and said, ‘Why do you not eat?’”
Here, the Quran refers to Ibrahim’s (AS) guests as “ضیف” (guests) and emphasizes his generous hospitality by presenting them with the best food. The key point is the etiquette of hospitality, where Ibrahim (AS) didn’t wait for them to ask but immediately offered them the best meal with love and respect.
When we connect this incident with the saying of Aisha (RA) about the Prophet ﷺ:
كان خُلُقُه القرآنَ (صحيح الجامع: 4811)
Translation: “The character of the Prophet ﷺ was the Quran.”
It becomes clear that the Prophet ﷺ was also exemplary in following the tradition of the Prophets, especially in hospitality.
Third Reason:
Honoring guests, offering them hospitality, inquiring about their well-being, and assisting them are all signs of high moral standards, and our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a paragon of these values. Allah says:
وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ (القلم: 4)
Translation: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
إنما بُعِثْتُ لأُتَمِّمَ مكارمَ الأخلاقِ (السلسلة الصحيحة: 45)
Translation: “I have been sent only to perfect noble character.”
The Prophet ﷺ was sent to guide people towards the highest moral values, and this included showing kindness and hospitality to guests and hosts alike. He was gentle, merciful, compassionate, and helpful to others. His treatment of guests was always with the highest level of respect and kindness, and he embodied all the good qualities of a host.
Fourth Point:
The noble character of the Messenger ﷺ serves as the best example for humanity, and the person who is an example for others is the most perfect among them. Allah says:
لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا (الاحزاب:21)
Translation: Indeed, you have in the Messenger of Allah the best example for anyone who hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.
Every aspect of the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is preserved as an example for humanity. In human history, there is no personality like him, whose life is recorded in such detail. The Companions of the Prophet meticulously documented all aspects of his life because it is a perfect guide for us. SubhanAllah, the person whom Allah has made an example for us truly embodies the best model for every stage of life.
Fifth Point:
Allah has taught us the distinction between good and evil through His Messenger ﷺ. He taught us the etiquettes of hospitality, the rights and obligations of guests and hosts. His teachings on dealing with guests and hosts reflect that he practiced what he preached. Some of the important sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ related to hospitality are:
Prophetic Wisdom on Hospitality: Key Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- Encouragement to Host and Feed Guests: From Sa’id al-‘Uqba bin ‘Amir, who said, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
لا خيرَ فِيمَنْ لا يُضِيفُ (صحيح الجامع:7492)
Translation: There is no good in a person who does not host guests.
Similarly, Abdullah bin Salam said that when the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Medina, the first thing he said to the people was:
أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ، أَفْشُوا السَّلاَمَ، وَأَطْعِمُوا الطَّعَامَ، وَصَلُّوا وَالنَّاسُ نِيَامٌ، تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ بِسَلاَمٍ (صحيح الترمذي:2485)
Translation: O people, spread peace, feed others, pray while people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.
The Companions, inspired by these teachings, had a great passion to feed others, especially those in need. For example, there is a narration where Abu Huraira reported:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ asked, “Who among you is fasting today?” Abu Bakr replied, “I am.” Then the Prophet ﷺ asked, “Who followed a funeral procession today?” Abu Bakr replied, “I did.” Then the Prophet ﷺ asked, “Who fed a poor person today?” Abu Bakr said, “I did.” Then the Prophet ﷺ asked, “Who visited a sick person today?” Abu Bakr said, “I did.” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied, “If these good deeds come together in a person, he will certainly enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim: 1028) - Respecting Guests as a Sign of Faith: From Abu Huraira, the Prophet ﷺ said:
مَن كانَ يُؤْمِنُ باللَّهِ واليَومِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ (صحيح البخاري:6138)
Translation: Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest. - Making Hospitality a Right: The Prophet ﷺ said:
وَإِنَّ لضَيفِكَ علَيكَ حقًّا (صحيح أبي داود:1369)
Translation: And indeed, your guest has a right over you.
The Prophet ﷺ also elaborated on the length of hospitality and what is due to a guest. He said:
مَن كان يُؤمِنُ باللهِ واليومِ الآخِرِ فلْيُكرِمْ جارَهُ، ومَن كان يُؤمِنُ باللهِ واليومِ الآخِرِ فلْيُكرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ جائِزَتَه. قال : وما جائِزَتُه يا رسولَ اللهِ ؟ قال : يومٌ وليلةٌ، والضِّيافَةُ ثلاثةُ أيامٍ، فما كان وَراءَ ذلك فهو صدَقَةٌ عليه (صحيح البخاري:6019)
Translation: Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his neighbor, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest according to the accepted custom. They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is the accepted custom?” He replied, “A day and a night, and hospitality is three days. Beyond that is charity.”
When people do not offer proper hospitality, the Prophet ﷺ guided us on how to handle such situations. In a narration from ‘Uqba bin ‘Amir:
He said, “O Messenger of Allah, you send us on missions, and when we stay in certain tribes’ villages, they do not offer us hospitality. What should we do?” The Prophet ﷺ responded:
إِنْ نَزَلْتُمْ بقَوْمٍ فأمَرُوا لَكُمْ بما يَنْبَغِي لِلضَّيْفِ فَاقْبَلُوا، فإنْ لَمْ يَفْعَلُوا، فَخُذُوا منهمْ حَقَّ الضَّيْفِ الذي يَنْبَغِي لهمْ. (صحيح البخاري:6137)
Translation: When you stay with a people and they give you what is appropriate for a guest, accept it. If they do not, then take the guest’s right from them as is due.
Another narration from Abu Karima states:
لَيْلَةُ الضَّيفِ حقٌّ على كلِّ مسلمٍ، فمن أصبح بفِنائِه، فهو عليه دَينٌ، إن شاء اقتَضى، وإن شاء ترك (صحيح أبي داود:3750)
Translation: The night of the guest is a right upon every Muslim. Whoever stays overnight in the home of a Muslim, one night’s hospitality is a debt upon him, which he may choose to claim or forgive.
Here, it should be noted that the required hospitality applies to travelers, distant relatives, or guests who are not immediate family members, while hosting close relatives is considered an act of maintaining family ties, and hosting other Muslims is a form of kindness and goodwill.
(4) You(P.B.U.H) made accepting an invitation a duty and a right of one Muslim over another.
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say:
حَقُّ المُسْلِمِ علَى المُسْلِمِ خَمْسٌ: رَدُّ السَّلَامِ، وعِيَادَةُ المَرِيضِ، واتِّبَاعُ الجَنَائِزِ، وإجَابَةُ الدَّعْوَةِ، وتَشْمِيتُ العَاطِسِ. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1240)
Translation: A Muslim has five rights over another Muslim: responding to the greeting of peace, visiting the sick, following the funeral procession, accepting invitations, and saying “Yarhamuk Allah” when someone sneezes and says “Alhamdulillah.”
Similarly, from Ibn Umar (RA), it is narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
إِذَا دُعِيَ أَحَدُكُمْ إِلَى الْوَلِيمَةِ فَلْيُجِبْ (Sahih Muslim: 1429)
Translation: When any of you is invited to a wedding feast, he should accept.
And if the person being invited is fasting, he should pray for the host. Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
إِذَا دُعِيَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيُجِبْ، فإنْ كانَ صَائِمًا فَلْيُصَلِّ، وإنْ كانَ مُفْطِرًا فَلْيَطْعَمْ (Sahih Muslim: 1431)
Translation: When any of you is invited, he should accept the invitation. If he is fasting, he should make dua (pray for the host), and if he is not fasting, he should eat.
(5) Encouraged to have a bed prepared for the guest beforehand.
Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to him:
فِرَاشٌ لِلرَّجُلِ، وَفِرَاشٌ لِإمْرَأَتِهِ، وَالثَّالِثُ لِلضَّيْفِ، وَالرَّابِعُ لِلشَّيْطَانِ. (Sahih Muslim: 2084)
Translation: One bed is for the man, one is for his wife, the third is for the guest, and the fourth is for Satan.
This hadith suggests that necessary provisions should be made for guests in the house (such as a bed and facilities like a guest room and bathroom) so that any guest can be comfortably hosted, and there should not be excess or unnecessary possessions in the home.
(6) Encouraged inviting the poor and needy alongside the wealthy.
Ideally, our food should be shared by good people, and in our invitations, we should invite both the rich and the poor. Whoever refuses to accept an invitation is disobeying Allah and His Messenger. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated:
شَرُّ الطَّعَامِ طَعَامُ الوَلِيمَةِ، يُدْعَى لَهَا الأغْنِيَاءُ وَيُتْرَكُ الفُقَرَاءُ، ومَن تَرَكَ الدَّعْوَةَ فقَدْ عَصَى اللَّهَ ورَسولَه، صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5177)
Translation: The worst food is the food of a wedding feast, to which the rich are invited and the poor are neglected. Whoever refuses the invitation has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger.
(7) If possible, offer an extravagant meal, otherwise present whatever is available.
Anas (RA) said: We were with Umar (RA), and he said: “We were forbidden from being extravagant.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 7293)
Translation: Anas (RA) narrated that we were with Umar (RA) when he said that we have been prohibited from indulging in extravagance.
Abu Huraira (RA) also mentions that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade us from being extravagant for guests:
نَهانا رسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهِ عليهِ وسلَّمَ أنْ نَتكلَّفَ للضَّيفِ (Silsilat al-Sahihah: 5/512)
Translation: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade us from being extravagant for guests.
The details of a feast from Salman (RA) are as follows. Shaqiq said that he and his friend visited Salman (RA), and he served bread and some salty food, saying: “If the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had not forbidden us from being extravagant, I would have done more for you.” His friend remarked, “It would have been nice if some mountain mint had been added to the salty dish.” He then sent a container to a vegetable seller to bring mint. After they had finished eating, the friend said: “Alhamdulillah, the One who has made us content with what He provided us.” Salman (RA) replied, “If you had been content with your provision, my container would not have been with the vegetable seller.” (Silsilat al-Sahihah: 2392)
(8) After the meal, the guest should offer a prayer of thanks for the host.
After eating, the guest should offer good prayers for the host, and they may pray the following:
اللهمَّ ! بارِكْ لهم في ما رزقتَهم . واغفرْ لهم وارحمْهم (Sahih Muslim: 2042)
Translation: O Allah! Bless their provision, forgive them, and have mercy on them.
اللهمَّ ! أطعِمْ مَن أطعَمني . وأسْقِ من أسقاني (Sahih Muslim: 2055)
Translation: O Allah! Feed the one who fed me, and give drink to the one who gave me drink.
The purpose of presenting these prophetic teachings is to highlight the etiquettes of hosting guests and to demonstrate that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) adhered to these practices. It is impossible not to follow these etiquettes since the Prophet (ﷺ) established them as a guide. Allah has warned those who do not practice what they preach, as mentioned in the verse:
أَتَأْمُرُونَ النَّاسَ بِالْبِرِّ وَتَنسَوْنَ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَتْلُونَ الْكِتَابَ ۚ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ (Al-Baqarah: 44)
Translation: You enjoin people to do righteousness, but forget yourselves, while you recite the Book. Do you not understand?
In conclusion, these qualities were characteristic of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is well known that he was extremely generous in feeding others and spending on the needy, while seeking sustenance only from Allah for himself. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed:
اللهم ارزق آل محمد قوتا “O Allah, provide the family of Muhammad with sufficient sustenance.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6460)
At times, there was a scarcity of food in the household of the Prophet (ﷺ), and he himself ate less, focusing on the welfare of his guests. Aisha (RA) narrated:
إِنْ كُنَّا آلَ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَنَمْكُثُ شَهْرًا مَا نَسْتَوْقِدُ بِنَارٍ، إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا التَّمْرُ وَالْمَاءُ (Sahih Muslim: 7449)
Translation: Aisha (RA) said: “We, the family of Muhammad (ﷺ), would live for a month without lighting a fire, and we only had dates and water.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) practiced contentment for himself but was extraordinarily generous towards others. Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:
كانَ النبيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ أجْوَدَ النَّاسِ بالخَيْرِ، وأَجْوَدُ ما يَكونُ في شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ (Sahih al-Bukhari: 4997)
Translation: The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of people in doing good, and his generosity reached its peak in the month of Ramadan, because Jibril (AS) would meet him every night of Ramadan and review the Qur’an with him.
Anas bin Malik (RA) said:
كانَ رَسولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وَسَلَّمَ أَحْسَنَ النَّاسِ، وَكانَ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكانَ أَشْجَعَ النَّاسِ (Sahih Muslim: 2307)
Translation: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was the best of people, the most generous of people, and the bravest of people.
In Arab culture, generosity is closely tied to hospitality and feeding others. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) exemplified this by being the most considerate host, ensuring that his guests were well-cared for.
When the Prophet (ﷺ) hosted someone, they considered themselves fortunate, and when someone hosted him, they considered themselves blessed. This was only fitting, for his noble and exalted character made him the most deserving of such honor.
The behavior of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with his guests
(1) Feeding without expecting anything in return:
The Prophet ﷺ taught us through his words and actions that when we offer food or drinks to others, we should not expect any compensation in return, as Allah says: إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا (الانسان:9) Translation: “We feed you only for the sake of Allah; we do not want from you reward or gratitude.” It is the right of the one being fed to thank their benefactor and pray for them.
(2) Welcoming guests and delegations:
The Prophet ﷺ would welcome arriving guests and delegations with kind and warm words, making them feel at home and fostering love and comfort rather than alienation. عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا، قَالَ: لَمَّا قَدِمَ وَفْدُ عَبْدِ الْقَيْسِ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:مَرْحَبًا بِالْوَفْدِ الَّذِينَ جَاءُوا غَيْرَ خَزَايَا وَلَا نَدَامَى (بخاری:6176) Translation: Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that when the delegation of Abdul Qays arrived, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Welcome to the delegation who have come without shame or regret.”
(3) No formality in invitations:
Allah Almighty says: قُلْ مَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ أَجْرٍ وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُتَكَلِّفِينَ (ص:86) Translation: “Say, ‘I do not ask you for any reward for it, nor am I of the pretentious.'” The Prophet ﷺ avoided formality in all matters of life and forbade his companions from being pretentious in hospitality. While it is not wrong to serve the best food when possible, formality is discouraged when it exceeds one’s means.
Luqayt bin Sabrah (RA) narrates that when he and the delegation of Banu Muntafiq visited, the Prophet ﷺ instructed a goat to be slaughtered, and when he served them, he said: لَا تَحْسِبَنَّ، وَلَمْ يَقُلْ لَا تَحْسَبَنَّ أَنَّا مِنْ أَجْلِكَ ذَبَحْنَاهَا لَنَا غَنَمٌ مِائَةٌ لَا نُرِيدُ أَنْ تَزِيدَ، فَإِذَا وَلَّدَ الرَّاعِي بَهْمَةً ذَبَحْنَا مَكَانَهَا شَاةً( صحيح أبي داود:142) Translation: “Do not think that we slaughtered it for you, rather we have a hundred sheep, and we do not want them to multiply. When the shepherd’s sheep give birth, we slaughter one in place of it.”
(4) Sometimes mixing food together:
During the Battle of Khaybar, when the Prophet ﷺ married Safiyyah (RA) and hosted a feast, he told his companions: مَنْ كَانَ عَنْدَهُ شَيْءٌ، فَلْيَجِئْ بِهِ “، قَالَ: وَبَسَطَ نِطَعًا، قَالَ: فَجَعَلَ الرَّجُلُ يَجِيءُ بِالْأَقِطِ، وَجَعَلَ الرَّجُلُ يَجِيءُ بِالتَّمْرِ، وَجَعَلَ الرَّجُلُ يَجِيءُ بِالسَّمْنِ، فَحَاسُوا حَيْسًا، فَكَانَتْ وَلِيمَةَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ.(صحیح البخاری :3497) Translation: “Whoever has anything (food), let him bring it.” Then he spread a leather mat, and people brought cheese, dates, and ghee. They mixed them together, and this was the feast of the Prophet ﷺ.
(5) Serving the guests personally:
The Prophet ﷺ would personally serve guests, offer them food, and engage in conversation with them. Mughirah bin Shu’bah (RA) narrates: ضِفتُ النَّبيَّ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ ذاتَ ليلةٍ فأمرَ بِجَنبٍ فشُوِيَ، وأخذَ الشَّفرةَ فجعلَ يحزُّ لي بِها منهُ، قالَ: فجاءَ بلالٌ فآذنَهُ بالصَّلاةِ، قالَ: فألقى الشَّفرةَ، وقالَ: ما لَهُ ترِبَت يداهُ وقامَ يصلِّي زادَ الأنباريُّ: وَكانَ شاربي وفَى فقصَّهُ لي على سِواكٍ أو قالَ: أقصُّهُ لَكَ علَى سواكٍ(صحيح أبي داود:188) Translation: “One night I was the guest of the Prophet ﷺ. He ordered a leg of goat to be roasted and then took a knife and began cutting meat for me. At that moment, Bilal (RA) came and informed him about the prayer. He put the knife down and said, ‘What is wrong with him (the one calling for prayer)?’ Then he got up to pray.” The additional narration mentions: “I had long moustaches, so he asked if I wanted him to trim them with a miswak.”
(6) Engaging with guests even after Isha:
Although the Prophet ﷺ generally refrained from talking after Isha prayer, he would still engage with guests if necessary. As Aisha (RA) said: ما نامَ رسولُ اللَّهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ قبلَ العشاءِ ولا سَمَرَ بعدَها(صحيح ابن ماجه:582) Translation: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ did not sleep before Isha, nor did he engage in unnecessary conversation afterward.”
Despite this, he would engage in conversation with guests if the need arose, as mentioned in the hadith related to the Companions of Suffah in Sahih Bukhari (602).
(7) An excellent example of hospitality and selflessness:
Once, a guest came to the Prophet ﷺ but there was no food in the house. The Prophet ﷺ sent him to his wives, but they had nothing to offer either. Then the Prophet ﷺ asked, “Is there no one who will host this guest tonight? Allah will have mercy on them.” An Ansari companion, Abu Talha, stood up and offered to host the guest. He took him home and told his wife: “This is the guest of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, do not keep anything aside for yourself.” His wife replied that there was only food for the children, to which Abu Talha said: “If the children ask for food, put them to sleep and turn off the light, we will stay hungry tonight.” The next morning, when Abu Talha came to the Prophet ﷺ, he said, “Allah was pleased with what you and your wife did,” and Allah revealed the verse: ويؤثرون على أنفسهم ولو كان بهم خصاصة (صحيح البخاري:4889) Translation: “And they give preference to others over themselves, even though they are in need.”
SubhanAllah, how fortunate it is to be a guest of the Prophet ﷺ, and how his companions showed such selflessness in hosting, that Allah was pleased and an Ayah was revealed in their honor.
(8) Managing the Abundance of Guests
The Prophet ﷺ paid special attention to the poor and needy in his meals. Whenever there was an abundance of guests, he would share the food between them and his companions. He would ensure that everyone’s meals were properly arranged. The companions of Suffah, who were a group of the poor and destitute, lived in the mosque of Medina. The Prophet ﷺ made special arrangements for their food. Abdul Rahman bin Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported:
أنَّ أصْحَابَ الصُّفَّةِ كَانُوا أُنَاسًا فُقَرَاءَ، وأنَّ النبيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ قالَ مَرَّةً:مَن كانَ عِنْدَهُ طَعَامُ اثْنَيْنِ فَلْيَذْهَبْ بثَالِثٍ، ومَن كانَ عِنْدَهُ طَعَامُ أرْبَعَةٍ فَلْيَذْهَبْ بخَامِسٍ أوْ سَادِسٍ أوْ كما قالَ: وأنَّ أبَا بَكْرٍ جَاءَ بثَلَاثَةٍ، وانْطَلَقَ النبيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ بعَشَرَةٍ (صحيح البخاری:3581)
Translation: The people of Suffah were poor and needy, and once the Prophet ﷺ said, “If someone has enough food for two people, he should take a third with him, and if he has enough for four, he should take a fifth or even a sixth.” Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) brought three with him, and the Prophet ﷺ took ten with him.
(9) Hosting a Non-Muslim Guest, with the Intention of Heartfelt Hospitality and Dawah
It was also the practice of the Prophet ﷺ to host even non-Muslim guests, with the purpose of fostering affection and inviting them to Islam. Hazrat Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that once a non-Muslim guest came to the Prophet ﷺ, and he ordered the milk of a goat to be given to him. The guest drank it, and then the Prophet ﷺ ordered more milk from another goat, which the guest drank as well. This continued until he had drunk the milk of seven goats. Eventually, the guest accepted Islam. The Prophet ﷺ remarked: “A Muslim drinks with one stomach, while a non-Muslim drinks with seven.” (Sahih Muslim: 2063)
(10) Hospitality Towards the Poor and Needy
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates an incident of receiving hospitality from the Prophet ﷺ. He recounts that during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, he was so hungry that he would lie on the ground, his stomach touching the earth, and sometimes tie a stone around his stomach to endure the pain of hunger. One day, the Prophet ﷺ noticed him and took him home. There was a bowl of milk as a gift, and the Prophet ﷺ instructed to call the people of Suffah. Abu Huraira thought that the milk would not be enough for everyone, but when the people of Suffah arrived, they drank one by one, and everyone was satisfied, including himself. Finally, the Prophet ﷺ drank the remaining milk. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6452)
Saidna Miqdad bin Al-Aswad (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that he and two companions came to the Prophet ﷺ in great distress due to hunger and exhaustion. They were not accepted by any of the companions. Eventually, they went to the Prophet ﷺ, who invited them to his home. There, he had three goats. He instructed, “Milk these goats, and we will all drink.” They milked the goats, and each of them had their share, while the Prophet ﷺ refrained from drinking his portion. (Sahih Muslim: 5362)
(11) Allocating Funds for Guesthouses and Delegations
The Prophet ﷺ made special arrangements for guests and visiting delegations by establishing a guesthouse where guests would stay. He also allocated specific funds for their needs. When the Prophet ﷺ was victorious over Khaybar, he divided it into thirty-six parts, each part containing one hundred shares. Half of it was reserved for the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims, while the other half was set aside for visiting delegations, other needs, and unforeseen incidents or difficulties faced by the Muslims. (Abu Dawood: 3012, Sheikh Al-Albani: Authentic)
(12) Considering the Heartfelt Feelings of Guests Despite Discomfort
Once, at the wedding feast of Zaynab (رضی اللہ عنہا), the Prophet ﷺ invited his companions to his house. They stayed for a long time, which caused some discomfort to the Prophet ﷺ. However, he considered their feelings and did not express his discomfort. It was in this context that the following verse was revealed:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَدْخُلُوا بُيُوتَ النَّبِيِّ إِلَّا أَن يُؤْذَنَ لَكُمْ إِلَىٰ طَعَامٍ غَيْرَ نَاظِرِينَ إِنَاهُ وَلَٰكِنْ إِذَا دُعِيتُمْ فَادْخُلُوا فَإِذَا طَعِمْتُمْ فَانتَشِرُوا وَلَا مُسْتَأْنِسِينَ لِحَدِيثٍ ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكُمْ كَانَ يُؤْذِي النَّبِيَّ فَيَسْتَحْيِي مِنكُمْ ۖ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَسْتَحْيِي مِنَ الْحَقِّ (الأحزاب:53)
Translation: O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet ﷺ unless you are permitted for a meal, without waiting for its preparation. But when you are invited, then enter, and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that would annoy the Prophet, and he would be shy of you, but Allah is not shy of the truth.
This verse teaches the etiquettes of hospitality, emphasizing that one should come when invited, eat, and leave promptly, so as not to inconvenience the host.
(13) Casualness with Guests and Carefulness in Eating
The Prophet ﷺ was very informal with his guests, but he would take care to mention any precautions in eating. Suhaib (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated:
عَنْ جَدِّهِ صُهَيْبٍ , قَالَ: قَدِمْتُ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَبَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ خُبْزٌ وَتَمْرٌ , فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:” ادْنُ فَكُلْ” , فَأَخَذْتُ آكُلُ مِنَ التَّمْرِ , فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:” تَأْكُلُ تَمْرًا وَبِكَ رَمَدٌ؟” , قَالَ: فَقُلْتُ إِنِّي أَمْضُغُ مِنْ نَاحِيَةٍ أُخْرَى , فَتَبَسَّمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. (ابن ماجہ:3443 وصححہ البانی)
Translation: Suhaib (رضی اللہ عنہ) said: “I came to the Prophet ﷺ, and before him was bread and dates. The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Come close and eat.’ I began eating dates, and the Prophet ﷺ said, ‘You are eating dates while your eye is sore?’ I replied, ‘I am chewing from the other side.’ The Prophet ﷺ smiled.”
The behavior of the Prophet ﷺ with his hosts:
(1) The Prophet ﷺ was a humble guest and accepted even the simplest invitations:
Whenever the Prophet ﷺ was a guest at someone’s home, he would demonstrate great humility and accept whatever was offered, no matter how simple. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
لَوْ دُعِيتُ إلى ذِراعٍ أوْ كُراعٍ لَأَجَبْتُ، ولو أُهْدِيَ إلَيَّ ذِراعٌ أوْ كُراعٌ لَقَبِلْتُ
Translation: “If I were invited to a piece of meat or a lamb’s foot, I would accept, and if a piece of meat or a lamb’s foot was gifted to me, I would accept it as well.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2568)
(2) If the host was not offended, he would sometimes bring others along:
Occasionally, the Prophet ﷺ would go for a meal invitation, and if he met someone else along the way, and he was sure that the host wouldn’t be offended, he would take them along. Once, the Prophet ﷺ saw Abu Bakr and Umar, who were both hungry, and he himself was also hungry. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Come with me,” and they went to an Ansari’s house, but he wasn’t home at that moment. His wife greeted them, and when the host arrived and saw them, he happily said:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ مَا أَحَدٌ الْيَوْمَ أَكْرَمَ أَضْيَافًا مِنِّي
Translation: “Praise be to Allah, no one today has guests more honored than I.” Then, he offered them a goat for dinner.
For this reason, Imam Muslim has a chapter titled: باب جَوَازِ اسْتِتْبَاعِهِ غَيْرَهُ إِلَى دَارِ مَنْ يَثِقُ بِرِضَاهُ بِذَلِكَ وَيَتَحَقَّقُهُ تَحَقُّقًا تَامًّا وَاسْتِحْبَابِ الاِجْتِمَاعِ عَلَى الطَّعَامِ
Translation: “Chapter: It is permissible to bring someone else to the home of a host with the belief that the host will not be offended and that this is fully confirmed, and that it is recommended to gather together for meals.”
(3) He would accept the invitation of a servant as well:
Once, a servant who was a tailor invited the Prophet ﷺ to a meal, and he accepted the invitation. Anas bin Malik (RA) narrated that a tailor invited the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to a meal he had prepared for him. I went with him. The Prophet ﷺ was served barley bread and soup with pumpkin and pieces of dried meat. I saw that the Prophet ﷺ was looking around the bowl for pumpkin pieces, and from that day onwards, I also began to like pumpkin. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5436)
(4) Casualness with the host:
Suhayb (RA) said:
قَدِمْتُ علَى النَّبيِّ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ، وبينَ يديهِ خُبزٌ وتمرٌ، فقالَ النَّبيُّ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ: ادْنُ فَكُل فأخَذتُ آكُلُ مِنَ التَّمرِ، فقالَ النَّبيُّ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ تأكُلُ تمرًا وبِكَ رمَدٌ ؟ قالَ، فقُلتُ: إنِّي أمضُغُ من ناحيةٍ أُخرى، فتبسَّمَ رسولُ اللَّهِ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ
Translation: “I came to the Prophet ﷺ, and there was bread and dates in front of him. The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Come closer and eat.’ I began eating dates, and the Prophet ﷺ said, ‘You are eating dates while your eye is affected by ‘ramad’ (a kind of infection of the eye)?’ I replied, ‘I am chewing from another side.’ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ smiled.” (Sunan Ibn Majah: 2793)
(5) Sometimes, he would ask to bring others along for the meal:
The Prophet ﷺ was so informal with his hosts that sometimes when an invitation was extended, he would also ask if others could join. It was narrated from Anas (RA) that a neighbor of the Prophet ﷺ, who was from Persia, used to prepare delicious soup. He invited the Prophet ﷺ to have some. The Prophet ﷺ pointed to Aisha (RA) and asked, “Is she invited too?” The man replied, “No.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Then I do not accept your invitation either.” The man came again to invite the Prophet ﷺ, and again the Prophet ﷺ asked, “Is she invited too?” The man said, “No.” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “Then I will not accept.” When the man came again to invite, the Prophet ﷺ asked, “Is she invited too?” This time the man replied, “Yes.” Then the Prophet ﷺ and Aisha (RA) went to his house together. (Sahih Muslim: 2037)
(6) He never criticized the food:
The Prophet ﷺ never criticized any food offered to him. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated:
ما عاب النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم طعاما قط إن اشتهاه اكله وإن كرهه تركه
Translation: “The Prophet ﷺ never criticized any food. If he liked it, he ate it, and if he disliked it, he left it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5409)
(7) He accepted the invitation of a Jewish man for the sake of winning hearts:
Once, a Jewish man invited the Prophet ﷺ for a meal, and he accepted the invitation. It was narrated from Anas (RA):
أنَّ يَهودِيًّا دَعا النَّبيَّ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ إلى خُبْزِ الشَّعيرِ وإهالةٍ سَنِخةٍ، فأجابَه
Translation: “A Jewish man invited the Prophet ﷺ for barley bread and old fat, and the Prophet ﷺ accepted his invitation.” (Narrated by Ahmad: 13201, authenticated by Shu’ayb al-Arna’ut)
(8) He instructed to start from the right, even if the person on the right was of a lower status:
The Prophet ﷺ would ask for something when visiting someone’s home, and when offering or receiving food, he instructed to start from the right, even if the person on the right was of lower status. Anas (RA) narrated that once the Prophet ﷺ visited their house and asked for water. They had a goat, from which they milked it, and I prepared buttermilk by mixing it with water from a well. Abu Bakr (RA) was sitting to the left of the Prophet ﷺ, Umar (RA) was sitting in front of him, and a Bedouin was sitting to his right. After the Prophet ﷺ drank, some milk remained in the bowl, and Umar (RA) suggested that it be given to Abu Bakr (RA). But the Prophet ﷺ gave it to the Bedouin, as he was seated on his right. Then the Prophet ﷺ said:
دَائِمًا دَائِمًا دَائِمًا
Translation: “The one sitting on the right has the right to it.” Then he added, “Always start from the right, always start from the right, always start from the right.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2571)
(9) The Prophet ﷺ would make dua after the meal:
It was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ that whenever he ate at someone’s home, he would make dua for the family at the end. There are several narrations regarding this. Anas bin Malik (RA) narrated:
أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَارَ أَهْلَ بَيْتٍ مِنَ الْأَنْصَارِ فَطَعِمَ عِنْدَهُمْ طَعَامًا، فَلَمَّا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَخْرُجَ أَمَرَ بِمَكَانٍ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ فَنُضِحَ لَهُ عَلَى بِسَاطٍ فَصَلَّى عَلَيْهِ وَدَعَا لَهُمْ
Translation: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ visited the household of an Ansari, and ate food there. When he wanted to leave, he instructed that water be sprinkled on a place in the house, then he prayed there and made a supplication for the family.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6080)
Similarly, Anas (RA) said that once the Prophet ﷺ visited the house of Saad bin Ubadah (RA), and he was served bread and oil. After eating, the Prophet ﷺ made this supplication:
أفطر عندكم الصائمون وأكل طعامكم الأبرار وصلت عليكم الملائكة
Translation: “May the fasting ones break their fast with you, may the righteous eat your food, and may the angels pray for you.” (Abu Dawood: 3854, authenticated by al-Albani)
Also, Abdullah bin Busr from the Bani Sulaim tribe narrated that once the Prophet ﷺ visited his father’s house and they served him food. Afterward, when water was brought to him, the Prophet ﷺ drank and then handed the remaining water to the person on his right. The Prophet ﷺ ate dates, and he threw the seeds between his middle and index fingers. When the Prophet ﷺ stood up to leave, Abdullah’s father stood and asked him to pray for him. The Prophet ﷺ prayed:
اللهم بارك لهم فيما رزقتهم واغفر لهم وارحمهم
Translation: “O Allah, bless them in what You have provided for them, forgive them, and have mercy on them.” (Abu Dawood: 3729, authenticated by al-Albani)
(10) He would also host his companions and serve them:
Sometimes when someone invited the Prophet ﷺ and there were several companions with him, he would make arrangements to accommodate them as well. For example, during the Battle of the Trench, Jabir (RA) wanted to invite the Prophet ﷺ and said that there was little food. He asked if he could bring one or two people along. The Prophet ﷺ inquired about the amount of food and told him to tell his wife not to remove the pot from the stove and to prepare some bread. The Prophet ﷺ then went to their home with all his companions, both the Ansar and the Muhajirun. Jabir’s wife, seeing the crowd, asked, “What will happen now?” The Prophet ﷺ himself served the bread and meat, and everyone ate until they were full, and still, food was left over. (For details, see Sahih al-Bukhari: 4101)
I have tried to present this topic briefly while providing enough clarity to understand the behavior of the Prophet ﷺ with his guests and hosts. I pray to Allah to grant us the ability to act upon the noble example of the Prophet(P.B.U.H) Ameen.
Written by: Maqbool Ahmad Salafi
Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy As-Salamah – Saudi Arabia