. IÚ IÛJ ':?Ü?I Iljj ,H c.,tÝ (cont.)

Second, he said that ifthe people can take the provisions themselves or request it, this is a clear sign that it is obligatory. Third, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has made this a sign of true belief in Allah and the Last Day. This implies that one who does not do it is not a true believer. Fourth, the fact that what is beyond those three days is called sadaqa or charity is a clear sign that the previous days were not sadaqa but an obligation.4 Furthermore, the word l'.fa.li (be generous) is actually in the form of an imperative or command. This further lends evidence that it is obligatory.5 Although it is the opinion of a small minority of the scholars, it seems that the strongest opinion is the view that hosting is an obligation, in particular for the first day and night, upon the one who has the excess means to do so. Allah knows best. In any case, it is certain that the one who truly believes in Allah and the Last Day will be generous and courteous to his visitor. 1 Ihn Rajah, Jaami, vol. 1 , p. 356. 2 Ihn Rajah, Jaami, vol. 1, p. 356. 3 Al-Haitami, Fath, p. 154. 4 Al-Shaukani, Nail, vol. 8, pp. 178-179. 5 Al-Bugha and Mistu, p. 99. Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi The Length of the Stay As noted above, Ahmad and al-Laith consider the first day hosting to be obligatory. As for the second and third days, they are what can be called the completion of one's act of hosting. According to Ahmad, only the first day is obligatory as the jaaizah is more stressed in the texts than the other days. However, some scholars, including al-Amidi, consider all three days to be obligatory. Some people are of the opinion that the total number of days are actually four: one day for the jaaizah and then three more days of hosting. However, this seems to be a weak opinion. Ibn Umar, for example, would refuse to consume anything of his host's wealth after three days. After three days, he would spend his own money on himself. 1 In fact, the owner of the house can order the person to leave after three days.2 He has fulfilled his obligation and the visitor is not allowed to be a burden on him. The hadith quoted above states, "And it is not lawful for a guest to stay with his host to the point that he makes things difficult for him. "3 If a visitor is requested or it is clear that there is no problem for him to stay for more than three days, then he may stay for more than three days. However, if a visitor is staying with a host for more than three days and causes him difficulty, there is no question that such a visitor is sinful. This is clear from the hadith. However, there is a difference of opinion about whether or not this also applies to the first three days. That is, even if it is the guest's right, must he forego that right if he would be causing his host difficulties and hardship? Many scholars are of the view that if the host is not able to accommodate the visitor, then he is not obliged to do so and he is not sinful on that account. Salmaan al-Faarsi stated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade them from going beyond what they can easily provide to a visitor. 4 Therefore, if a host does not have anything beyond what he or his family needs, then he is not obliged to host the visitor. However, if he sacrifices his own needs for the sake of the visitor, this is a virtuous deed and a great kindness on his part. Such was the case with some of the Ansar residents of Madinah who sacrificed their food and their children's food for the sake of their guests. Obviously, though, 1 Ibn Rajah, Jaami, vol. 1 , p. 358. 2 If a person continues to host another after three days it is called sadaqa or charity. lbn Hajr states that it has been called that to discourage people from accepting it. This is because there are many people, especially the wealthy, that would never accept anything call sadaqa. lbn Hajr, Fath, vol. 1 2, p. 166. 3 A narration in Sahih Muslim states, "Until he causes him to sin." This is because if the visitor stays too long, it may cause the host to curse him, not treat him well or have bad thoughts about the guest. All of these would be sins and they would all be caused by the visitor overstaying his welcome. See ibn Hajr, Fath, vol. 1 2, p. 167. 4 This was recorded by Ahmad and al-Tabaraani. According to al-Hilaali, it is sahih. Al-Hilaali, Eeqaadh, p. 220. Hadith #1 5: "Whoever believes in Allah should ... " this is a great voluntary deed but it cannot be considered obligatory upon the host.