Visiting Manners
Visit for the sake of Allah
«A man visited a brother in another town; Allah sent an angel on his path. The angel asked: Where are you going? He said: To a brother here. The angel said: Is there a favour you seek? He said: No — I love him for Allah. The angel said: I am a messenger from Allah to tell you Allah loves you as you love him.»
Muslim
Do not overstay
The Prophet ﷺ said: «It is not permissible for a Muslim to forsake his brother for more than three days.» Visits should be brief and welcome — «the best of visits is when the guest departs before becoming burdensome.»
Bukhārī & Muslim
Seek permission before entering
«O you who believe, do not enter houses other than your own until you seek permission and greet their occupants. That is better for you — that you may be reminded.»
24:27
Announce yourself
Knock or ring and identify yourself; do not peek inside before being invited. The Prophet ﷺ taught: «Seek permission three times; if you are given permission, enter, and if not, turn back.»
Bukhārī & Muslim
Choose the right time
Visit at suitable times — not during rest, work, or family privacy hours. «Do not enter during the afternoon rest (qaylūlah).»
24:58
Do not look into private areas
Lower the gaze; do not examine the home or its belongings — «Do not look into the houses until you are permitted.»
24:27–29
Bring a gift
«Tahaddathū tatarawād» — exchange gifts to increase love. The Prophet ﷺ said: «Exchange gifts and you will love one another.»
Bukhārī
Greet with salām
Upon entering, greet the household with salām — the full greeting: «As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh.»
Bukhārī & Muslim
Honouring the Guest
The right of the guest
«Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honour his guest. His right is a day and a night — and hospitality is for three days. Whatever is beyond that is ṣadaqah.»
Bukhārī & Muslim
Serve what you have
The Prophet ﷺ said: «Whoever has food for two, let him take a third; and whoever has food for four, let him take a fifth» — share generously without extravagance.
Bukhārī & Muslim
Greet with salām
Welcome your guest with the greeting of peace and make them comfortable. Offer water for ablution and the best seating.
Bukhārī & Muslim
Accompany them when they leave
Walk with your guest to the door — it is part of honouring them. The Prophet ﷺ would walk with his guest until they reached the road.
General adab
Do not burden the host
The guest should not demand or expect luxury; accept what is offered with gratitude, and leave before becoming burdensome.
General adab
Duʿā for the Guest
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَهُمْ فِيمَا رَزَقْتَهُمْ وَاغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ
Duʿā for the guest
O Allah, bless them in what You have provided them, forgive them and have mercy on them.
Muslim
اللَّهُمَّ أَطْعِمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَنِي وَاسْقِ مَنْ سَقَانِي
Duʿā for the host
O Allah, feed the one who fed me, and give drink to the one who gave me drink.
Muslim
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ الْمَوْلِجِ وَخَيْرَ الْمَخْرَجِ
When entering a home
O Allah, I ask You for the best of entering and the best of leaving.
Abū Dāwūd