for the ahl al-dhimma (protected non-Muslim subjects) one day and one night of hospitality, that they repair the bridges, and that if a Muslim man were killed in their territory, they would be liable for his blood money.” In another version it says: “ʿUmar stipulated that the ahl al-dhimma provide hospitality for one day and one night. If rain or illness detained them, then [they were to provide it for] two days. If they stayed longer than that, they were to pay for themselves from their own wealth and be required to provide only what they were able to provide.”
Likewise, with respect to Muslims, the obligatory period of hospitality is one day and one night. In a report narrated by Ḥanbal, Aḥmad said: “The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) commanded this, and it is a debt owed to the guest.” I asked, “What amount should be provided for him?” He replied, “Whatever sustains him for the three days concerning which the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said [that hospitality is due]; one day and one night is an obligatory right.” Thus, he made clear that three days are recommended, whereas one day and one night are obligatory.
In another passage of the questions transmitted by Ḥanbal and Ṣāliḥ, he said: “Hospitality is for three days, and the guest’s due is one day and one night.” Thus, the guest’s due was more emphatically required than hospitality for the three days. Abū Bakr al-Khallāl also transmitted reports indicating both recommendation and obligation.
He transmitted through his chain of transmission from Abū Karīmah—al-Miqdām ibn Maʿdī Karib—who said: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “The guest’s night is an obligatory right. If he reaches morning in his courtyard, it is a debt the host owes him: if he wishes, he may claim the debt, and if he wishes, he may leave it.” That is, if the host does not provide him with hospitality.
Through his chain of transmission from Abū Shurayḥ al-Khuzāʿī, he also transmitted that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Hospitality is for three days, and the guest’s due is one day and one night. It is not lawful for a Muslim to remain with his brother to the point of causing him to sin.” They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, how would he cause him to sin?” He replied, “By remaining with him when he has nothing to offer him.”
The hadith of Abū Karīmah indicates that one day and one night are obligatory, while the hadith of Abū Shurayḥ indicates that three days are recommended. Thus, hospitality for non-Muslims and Muslims agrees in the extent of what is obligatory and recommended, but differs in two other rulings. First, in the case of Muslims, it becomes obligatory by the Law from the outset, whereas in the case of non-Muslims, it becomes obligatory by stipulation. Second, in the case of Muslims, it applies to the inhabitants of both villages and cities, whereas in the case of non-Muslims, it is restricted to the inhabitants of villages.