So he brought it near to them, saying...

"He brought it near to them," meaning he placed it before them. In this is evidence that part of honoring a guest is to offer them more than they will eat, and that food should not be set down in one place while the guest is called to it elsewhere.

"He said: 'Will you not eat?'"

It has been said: This was an invitation to eat, as doing so puts the guest at ease. It has also been said: It was an expression of disapproval for their failure to reach for the food. In some reports, it is stated that they said: "We do not eat anything unless we have paid its price." He (peace be upon him) replied: "I will not permit it to you except for a price." They asked: "And what is that?" He replied: "That you mention the name of Allah the Exalted upon beginning, and praise Him, the Almighty and Majestic, upon finishing." Thereupon, they said to one another: "Deservedly did Allah the Exalted take him as an intimate friend (Khalil)."