Six Things in Which Speed is Necessary

The pious elders (the noble servants of Allah) have stated: "Being hasty is a Satanic act, but speed must be shown in six things:

1. When the time for prayer starts, it is necessary to be quick in offering the prayer (otherwise, Satan will make you lazy and the prayer will be missed).

2. In burying the deceased.

3. When a girl reaches maturity, her marriage should be performed quickly.

4. If a debt has been taken and one has the power to pay it back, it should be paid quickly.

5. If a sin is committed, one should be quick in performing repentance (Tawbah).

6. When a guest arrives, food should be served to them quickly."^[1]

The Third Etiquette: Serve with your own hands

The third etiquette we learn from the hospitality of Sayyidunā Ibrāhīm عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام is that when a guest arrives, one should host them personally. Sayyidunā Ibrāhīm عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام is a Prophet of Allah and had thousands of followers. Despite this, he slaughtered the calf himself and was personally busy in taking care of the guests.

If some items need to be brought from the market, they can obviously be sent for through the children or sons of the house. However, one should try to physically take part in the hospitality themselves. Recently, the spiritual guide, Ameer Ahl al-Sunnah دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ invited the Muftis of Dar-ul-Ifta Ahlesunnat to his home. Remember, Ameer Ahl al-Sunnah is of an advanced age, and naturally, there are health issues related to age.