“He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
Guests are blessings from Allah. Islam teaches us to be generous towards guests and advises us on how to entertain them. Muslims should be kind and show gratitude on receiving guests. It is part of a good Muslim’s faith that he is welcoming and kind in treating his guests. One should be particularly hospitable to a person who is travelling and has no relative or friend in the country/city. When a guest arrives at the home, they should be served with food and drink. Whatever provision is available, it should be served to the guests without any haste or being anxious whether it will suffice them or not. Allah blesses the provisions and the provision becomes sufficient enough for everyone. The guests should be made comfortable and at ease in every way possible.
The teachings of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) guide us towards respecting and being generous towards the guests. In this respect, Rasulullah (SAW) said: “Indeed whoever believes that Allah is All-Generous, Who provides for His creation and rewards those who are hospitable towards their guests, should look after his guest.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
The Prophet (SAW) said: “A man visited a brother in another town. Allah (swt) sent an angel to lie in wait for him along his way. When he came upon the angel, he asked him: ‘Where are you going?’ He answered: ‘I am going to visit a brother of mine in this town?’ The angel asked further: ‘Is there any favour that you want to get from him?’ The man said: ‘No, it is only that I love him for Allah’s (swt) sake.’ The angel then said: ‘I am a messenger of Allah to you (to tell you) that Allah (swt) loves you, as you love your brother for His sake.” (Muslim)
The aforesaid hadith makes it clear that visiting somebody for Allah’s (swt) sake alone and not for some personal reason is what Allah (swt) wants from us and He loves those who perform this act.
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Has the story reached you, of the honored guests [three angels; Jibril (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrahim (Abraham)? When they came in to him and said: `Salam (peace be upon you),’ He answered: `Salam (peace be upon you),’ and said: `You are a people unknown to me.’ Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrahim (Abraham) was mainly cows]. And placed it before them, (saying): `Will you not eat?”’ (51: 24-27)
The ayat reveals that the first thought that occurred to Abraham when angels came to visit him was to offer food to the strangers, thus the strangers became guests and an intimate bond was forged.
Surely, Allah will increase our provision if we welcome our guests and give them food and drink, and will reward us on the Resurrection Day.
Allah is All-Generous, who loves the generous ones and dislikes those who are mean…