a day and a night, and up to three days is charity. (1) Beyond that, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “It is not lawful for him to remain until he causes him hardship.” (2) “It is not lawful for him”—that is, for the guest—“to remain,” meaning to stay. Thus, if the guest has remained for three days, he should depart and not stay on. The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, explained the reason for this, saying, “until he causes him hardship.” It is understood from this rationale that, if he causes no hardship, there is nothing wrong with his remaining, for there are some people who would be pleased if you stayed with them for months—especially if he is a guest staying with bachelors. Bachelors like having a guest stay with them because he provides them companionship, and there are no women who would feel embarrassed or be burdened by the guest.

The point is that the Prophet’s words, peace and blessings be upon him, “until he causes him hardship,” indicate that if no hardship is involved, there is nothing wrong with the guest remaining for more than three days.

In summary, hospitality is obligatory under four conditions:

First: the guest must be a Muslim.

Second: he must be a traveler.

Third: he must be in rural settlements.

Fourth: the period is one day and one night.