# Etiquette of Hosting Guests in Islam: A Guide to Generosity & Good Manners  


## Introduction  

Hosting guests is a cherished tradition in Islam, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Ahlul Bayt (AS). Islam emphasizes hospitality as a sign of faith, a means to strengthen social bonds, and a way to earn Allah’s pleasure. This article explores Islamic etiquette for hosting, from invitation to farewell.  


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## 1. Inviting Guests  

### A. Sincere Intention  

- Hospitality should be for Allah’s sake, not to show off wealth.  

- The Prophet (PBUH) said: *"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest."* (Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 72, p. 394)  


### B. Fair Invitations  

- Avoid favoritism—invite both the rich and the poor.  

- Imam Ali (AS) said: *"Inviting only the wealthy is a sign of arrogance."* (Ghurar al-Hikam, Hadith 4562)  

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## 2. Preparing for the Guest  

### A. Cleanliness  

- Ensure the house and food are clean and halal.  

- The Prophet (PBUH) said: *"Cleanliness is part of faith."* (Kanz al-Ummal, Hadith 25009)  


### B. Simplicity & Avoiding Waste  

- Avoid extravagance. The Quran says: *"Do not waste, for Allah does not love the wasteful."* (Surah Al-An’am, 6:141)  

- Imam Sadiq (AS) said: *"Moderation in food is the way of the prophets."* (Al-Kafi, Vol. 6, p. 269)  


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## 3. Hosting Etiquette  

### A. Respecting the Guest  

- Welcome guests warmly with a smile and kind words.  

- The Prophet (PBUH) said: *"Whoever does not respect their guest is not of us."* (Wasail al-Shia, Vol. 16, p. 395)  


### B. Serving Food First  

- Let the guest eat before you.  

- It is narrated that Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS) would not eat until their guests did.  


### C. Generosity  

- Serve the best available food. The Quran praises those who *"give food, despite their love for it, to the poor, orphans, and captives."* (Surah Al-Insan, 76:8)  


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## 4. Guest Etiquette in Islam  

### A. Accepting Invitations  

- Declining an invitation without a valid reason is discouraged.  

- The Prophet (PBUH) said: *"If you are invited, respond."* (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3359)  


### B. Being Punctual & Modest  

- Guests should not overstay or burden the host.  

- Imam Ali (AS) said: *"The best guest is the one who is easiest to host."* (Tuhaf al-Uqool, p. 84)  


### C. Praying for the Host  

- After meals, pray for the host’s blessings.  

- The Prophet (PBUH) said: *"A guest’s prayer for the host is answered."* (Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 74, p. 295)  


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## 5. Bidding Farewell  

- Escorting guests to the door is a Sunnah.  

- Imam Kazim (AS) said: *"Bidding farewell to guests increases sustenance and love."* (Mustadrak al-Wasail, Vol. 9, p. 45)  


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## Conclusion  

Hosting in Islam fosters kindness, generosity, and divine blessings. By following these etiquettes, Muslims strengthen community ties and earn Allah’s reward. As Imam Ali (AS) said: *"A house visited by guests is blessed."* (Ghurar al-Hikam, Hadith 5672)