Is hospitality (Dhiyafa) obligatory upon every Muslim?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Hunting and Slaughter

Book 56 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Hospitality is obligatory upon every Muslim upon whom a guest descends. Ahmad states this obligation extends to both Muslim and non-Muslim guests, citing that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The guest's night is a due right upon every Muslim." This implies that hospitality is due regardless of the guest's faith, equating its meaning to voluntary charity given to both Muslims and disbelievers. The obligation covers one day and one night.

Supporting text

Al-Shafi'i holds that hospitality is recommended (mustahabb) but not obligatory, arguing that since the host is not compelled to provide his food, the obligation of giving it does not arise, similar to cases where one is not hosted at all.