Riyad as-Salihin, 738
Abu Mas'ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
A man prepared some food especially for the Prophet (ﷺ) and invited him along with four others. But a man accompanied him. Having arrived at the door, Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to the host, "This person has followed us. You may allow him, if you like, and if you like he will return." He said: "O Messenger of Allah, I allow him, too." <b>[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]</b>.
عن أبى مسعود البدرى رضى الله عنه قال: دعا رجل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لطعام صنعه له خامس خمسة، فتبعهم رجل، فلما بلغ الباب، قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم:
إن هذا تبعنا؛ فإن شئت أن تأذن له، وإن شئت رجع
قال: بل آذن له يا رسول الله .((متفق عليه))
References1 variant
- In-Book Reference
- Book 2, Hadith 12
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadith:</b><br>
1) It is permissible for a person to invite specific number of invitees. There is nothing wrong with that.<br>
2) There is no blame upon the host if he does not give permission to a person who accompanied the invitee; and if he asks him to go back, he should comply. These are the manners taught in the Qur’an: {And if it is said to you, “Go back,” then go back.} However, it is noble and kind of the host to give permission to the one who has come without invitation and not ask him to go back.<br>
3) Hospitality is legitimate and its desirability is affirmed.