Honoring Guests in Islam

Suyuti1 · Jun 09, 2025, 01:10 PM

Islam places great emphasis on hospitality and honoring guests (ikrām al-ḍayf). Welcoming guests with warmth and generosity is a sign of faith and righteousness. It strengthens brotherhood and reflects good character.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

> "مَن كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ"
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest."
— Sahih al-Bukhārī (6136), Sahih Muslim (47)

Honoring guests includes:

Welcoming them cheerfully.

Offering food and drink generously.

Making them comfortable.

Avoiding over-questioning or making them feel like a burden.

Allah mentions the story of Ibrāhīm (AS) when guests (angels in human form) visited him:

> فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰٓ أَهْلِهِۦ فَجَآءَ بِعِجْلٍۢ سَمِينٍۢ
"Then he went to his family and came with a fat roasted calf."
— Surah Adh-Dhāriyāt (51:26)

The companions practiced this Sunnah with sincerity. Abu Talha (RA) once gave his food to a guest while he and his wife remained hungry — praised by Allah in the Qur'an (Surah Al-Hashr 59:9).

Hospitality in Islam is a noble act that brings barakah, softens hearts, and earns reward in the Hereafter.

Honoring Guests in Islam

Suyuti1

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