Islam and Hospitality

In this fast moving world, everyone is involved in a rat race to be the best in the lot, to make his living more worthwhile and luxurious with whatever it takes. With such circumstances, the news of a guest coming over for a short stay sounds like miserable news for many and is frowned upon. Similarly, people try to avoid it in every way possible or make it clear to the guest to make his stay as brief as possible verbally or by gestures.
On the contrary, Islam being the complete code of life, rather the complete way of spending it, encompassing each aspect including spiritual, moral, emotional, physical, and social and so forth completely forbids hurting the sentiments of a guest, being regarded as one bringing mercy for the household as long as he stays.
We can seek guidance from the Holy word of God; the Quran and the Hadith to fulfil and enrich our lives when it comes to treatment of guests. The religion of mercy teaches us to entertain the guests with full devotion, without showing signs of displeasure, verbally or through body language.
A hadith shows the significance of such acts, it was heard of the Prophet as saying,
“He, who believes in Allah and the Last Day, should accommodate his guest according to his right.” In response the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked, “What is his right, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “It is to accommodate him for a day and a night and extend hospitality for three days, and what is beyond that is considered charity bestowed upon him. And whoever believes in God and the Last Day, let him, speak good words or else remain silent.” (Sahih Bukhari/Sahih Muslim)
A variety of best practices by the guest can be prior intimation to the host, visiting at an appropriate time, not becoming a burden and performing simple tasks himself including laundry, while assisting the host as much as possible. In addition to that, eating less and keeping the gaze lowered while in the house are among a few simple things that can ensure that he’s welcomed again with open arms.
The best examples of hospitality can be found in the Prophet’s life. He was known for his hospitable nature. Once a non- Muslim Arab Bedouin came for a stay over at his house, but after night meals, his stomach got upset and he spread filth all over the room. The Bedouin left in the wee hours, under fears of facing the wrath of Mohammad (PBUH). When the Messenger of Allah came to the room to enquire about him, he was amazed to see that the guest had left, leaving behind filth. The Messenger of Allah (swt) cleaned the dirt himself and then set out to find the guest. Actually, the Arab had mistakenly forgotten his sword in haste. Upon realizing his mistake he feared the worst, but rushed back to the house to ask for his belonging.
As he was heading towards the host’s house, he saw him rushing towards the guest. Muhammad (PBUH) enquired about his well-being and where he had been, after handing him over the sword, Mohammad (PBUH) said with a concerned smile, you had forgotten this at my place with. Here you go. The Arab was so impressed with the conduct that he immediately embraced Islam.
This goes on to show the significance of hospitality in Islam. It is highly stressed upon in the religion to not discriminate between guests from humble or rich backgrounds. Although, it has been forbidden to invite evil-doers, while the invitation to pious is highly recommended.