It is said that the Fourth Caliph, Sayyidina Ali ibn Abi Thalib (r.a.), was sad and cried as he prayed to God when for a period of seven days, his home was not graced by a guest. He sought forgiveness as he assumed this – to not be granted guest(s) – was a punishment for a sin he unknowingly committed.
Having guests in our home is a privilege and an honour. Something I realized about the community in Tareem (and I’m sure elsewhere too), whenever there’s a discussion between two people about where to meet, it’s either ‘my house or yours.’
Today we cite practical reasons for agreeing to meet people outside our homes, and these reasons may very well be valid. But at least hold it in our hearts that there’s greatness (takdhîm) and wisdom (hikmah) in such culture, tradition and lesson as exemplified by such great figures.
Make an attempt when practical and possible to invite people to your home for they bring not only their physical presence but greater things unseen, especially when the visit and meet is with good intention and conducted well.
Don’t let perfection be the evil of good. Just because there’s no great food for the guest, or the house is a little dirty, we deny our homes of the blessing of their presence. Better to have great gatherings that cleans our hearts.
I have arrived in London. The screenshot message is from my cousin’s husband. They live in London, and know about the simple peculiar preferences I make a big deal about like bar soap, unfortunately.
Bless those who honour and welcome their guests.
🙂
Thanks for the reminder. To this day, so many people who have been to my parents home for meals especially for Eid occasions remember my Mom particularly with great fondness. I myself have been welcomed to people’s homes in so many different parts of the world. I keep having the intention to invite people to my current home, but excuses keep arising – yet when I do make the time – it has been a warming experience (thus far) for both myself and my visitors.
Amigo Assalamu alykum, am waiting for you in Kenya
If stopping Dubai otw back, we are back by Aug 25th insya allah. Marhaba to our tiny abode insya allah too. And i have bar soaps aplenty 😊😊😊😊