Host Others Regardless of Their Past
📖Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2006
Malik ibn Nadlah reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, I stayed with a man and he did not host me or show me hospitality. Now he is staying with me. Shall I recompense him with the same?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “No, host him.”
Source:
This hadith emphasizes the value of generosity, forgiveness, and overcoming resentment. Even if someone previously ignored or failed to show hospitality, Islam encourages responding with kindness rather than revenge. By hosting the person, you demonstrate patience, magnanimity, and adherence to Allah’s guidance. It also strengthens social bonds and promotes harmony among people.
Meaning if Someone Ignores You:
The hadith teaches that we should not repay neglect with neglect. Instead, responding with goodwill and generosity elevates our moral and spiritual character and earns Allah’s pleasure. Ignoring or punishing someone for their past misbehavior only prolongs conflict, while kindness can transform relationships.
How to Apply Today:
- Be generous regardless of the past: Host, help, or support others even if they were previously indifferent or unkind.
- Avoid holding grudges: Let go of past slights and focus on positive actions.
- Practice patience and humility: Doing good despite past neglect shows maturity and obedience to Allah.
- Promote harmony in your community: Small acts of generosity build trust and strengthen social bonds.
- Seek Allah’s reward: Remember that your good deeds are for Allah, not for reciprocation.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 41:34
And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.
📖Quran 16:90
Indeed, Allah commands justice and good conduct and giving to relatives; and forbids immorality, and bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.
📖Quran 3:134
Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people; and Allah loves the doers of good.
This hadith encourages responding to neglect with kindness, fostering generosity, and promoting peace in relationships. Even if someone ignores or wrongs you, showing hospitality and goodwill aligns with Islamic ethics and the Qur’anic principles of forgiveness, patience, and righteous conduct.