a practice of the Companions, though it is permissible. Some scholars among the followers of Ahmad and other imams disliked it, while others permitted it or even considered it recommended. As for accepting an invitation to it, anyone who does so is sinful. Some scholars considered it recommended, others did not, and still others also disliked accepting an invitation to it. And Allah knows best.

He—may Allah Most High have mercy on him—was asked about the saying attributed to the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“Whoever eats with someone who has been forgiven will himself be forgiven.”

Is this authentic or not?

He replied:

Praise be to Allah. No one has transmitted this from the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—on the basis of a waking encounter with him. Rather, it has only been mentioned that he was seen in a dream saying this. This statement is not true without qualification. And Allah knows best.

He was asked about the meaning of his saying:

“Whoever comes to a meal to which he has not been invited enters as a thief and leaves as a raider.”

He replied:

Praise be to Allah. This refers to someone who joins a feast without its hosts’ permission. He enters furtively like a thief and eats without their consent, while they are too embarrassed to stop him. Thus he leaves like a raider who seizes people’s property by force. And Allah knows best.