They asked, “And what is his jāʾizah, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “A day and a night.” Agreed upon.

This ḥadith therefore proves that hospitality is obligatory, for the Prophet linked it to faith itself when he said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day…,” and such a linkage indicates obligation. In the two Ṣaḥīḥs we also read: “If you stop with some people and they provide what a guest deserves, accept it; but if they do not, then take from them the right that a guest deserves.”

The story of Abraham, the Friend of the Most Merciful, peace be upon him, and his guests—when he set a roasted calf before them—shows that hospitality formed part of Abraham’s way, and that he would serve the guest more than he himself consumed. This is one of the beauties of this religion and of the noble traits of character that have remained among his descendants and were further confirmed and encouraged by Islam.

Indeed, Islam has granted the wayfarer a recognised right among the ten categories mentioned in His words: “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him… and the wayfarer” (Qurʾān 4:36), and again in His words: “Give the relative his due, and the poor, and the wayfarer” (Qurʾān 17:26). It has even assigned him a share of zakāh within the eight designated categories. The wayfarer (ibn al-sabīl) is the traveller whose means have run out.

So praise be to Allah for this perfect religion and this wise legislation, a source of guidance and mercy.