arrangements of a meal is made; there are some guests who we invite ourselves to wedding ceremonies, ‘Aqeeqahs, etc. in which without differentiating poor from rich, equal arrangements for serving food should be made for them. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ forbid! The rich are sitting in a splendid manner and immensely enjoying eating all sorts of delicious meals, but poor and middle-class people are served with normal food. This must never ever be done as it breaks the heart of a Muslim.

It is stated in a blessed Hadees: Bad food is that food of a Valimah (a banquet arranged on behalf of the bridegroom) in which rich people are invited leaving the poor out. (Sahih Bukhari, vol. 3, pp. 455, Hadees 5177) Some guests are sisters, brothers or close relatives who come to stay for a few days, they should also be provided with hospitality.

It is stated in a blessed Hadees: That person, who believes in Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and the Day of Judgment, should respect the guest; one day and night is his Jaa`eezah (i.e. one day he should be provided with warm hospitality, get a very formal meal cooked according to his financial ability) and a feast is for three days (i.e. after one day whatever is present at home should be offered) and after three days it is Sadaqah. (Sahih Bukhari, vol. 4, pp. 136, Hadees 6135)

Regarding taking care of the status of people, this thing should also be kept in mind that if the guest is righteous and pious or an Islamic scholar or a spiritual guide, then he should be provided with hospitality according to his glory and greatness. If a religious personality has to be invited to a ceremony, then he should be invited after thinking carefully whether this ceremony is worthy of his honour or not, for example in a wedding ceremony etc., dancing and music, women moving around without Pardah are Haraam for everyone but inviting an Islamic scholar or a religious person is an insult to his status. That’s why according to the status/honour of the guests we should not be negligent in their respect and should treat every Muslim well because treating someone well not only develops love but it also gives goodness of both the worlds besides developing the passion for acting upon the Sunnah.

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب       صَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد