Hospitality is based
on mutual respect. Islam teaches that
all who believe in God should give guests the honor to which they are entitled,
and guests should be respectful and not put their hosts in an awkward position
by arriving unannounced or overstaying their welcome.
One of the great
Islamic scholars, Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali observed that the
Prophet Mohammed honored his guests by giving up his own cushion or spreading
out his own garment for them to sit upon.
Everyone who came to him left believing him to be the most generous of
people because he gave complete attention to all equally, by directing his
listening, talking, looks and attention to them.
The call to holiness
through hospitality is universal. In
Islam hospitality is described as a three-legged stool supported equally by the
host, the guest and God. Rules of
hospitality were handed down both in the sacred scripture and folk
traditions. Hosts are expected to greet
guests warmly, to make them feel welcome and comfortable, and to offer them the
best food and drink. Guests should never
refuse what is offered to them or they will deny God’s blessing upon the host.
