It also establishes the legitimacy of accepting an invitation when one is called. As noted earlier, attending on the first day is obligatory, on the second day recommended, and on the third day prohibited.

It indicates that priority should be given to the host who invited first, for he holds the virtue of precedence. If the two invitations are simultaneous, precedence goes to the neighbour whose door is nearest to that of the invitee, because of the special status of close neighbours.

It clarifies the neighbour’s right over his neighbour and underscores its great importance; many hadiths confirm this.

It shows that among the mutual rights shared by relatives, neighbours, and friends are answering invitations and exchanging visits. These practices greatly purify hearts, foster love, and strengthen ties.

It is preferable for anyone who responds to an invitation, visits someone to whom he owes a duty, or calls on an ill person, and the like, to intend thereby seeking nearness to Allah, so that he may obtain great good and abundant reward.