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.