Parenting Perspective 

For a child, the arrival of guests can feel like an interruption to their routine. To move them from seeing visitors as a disruption to welcoming them as a blessing, we need to explain the value of hospitality in a way that resonates with them. The goal is to show them that honouring a guest is not just a family rule, but a beautiful act of worship. 

Connect Hospitality to Divine Reward 

Use simple, motivating language to connect their actions to faith. You could say, ‘When we welcome a guest into our home, it is a special chance to earn rewards from Allah. Every smile and every kind word is a good deed.’ 

Give Them a Role in Hosting 

Empower them by giving them small but meaningful responsibilities. Assigning age-appropriate tasks like offering dates, pouring water, or helping to clear a space makes them an active participant in the act of hosting, rather than just a passive observer. 

Model the Warmth You Want to See 

Your child will learn the spirit of hospitality by watching you. When they see you greet guests with genuine warmth and serve them with a happy heart, they learn that hospitality is an expression of love, not a formal duty. Your example is their most important lesson. 

Nurture a Generous Spirit 

By involving them and explaining the ‘why’ behind it, you are nurturing a generous spirit. They learn that welcoming others is not just about following rules, but about sharing the blessings of your home and finding joy in making others feel honoured and comfortable. 

This approach helps children to see hospitality not as a chore, but as a joyful expression of family values and faith. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam elevates the act of hospitality to a central tenet of faith, teaching that the way we treat a guest is a direct reflection of our spiritual state and our respect for the traditions of the Prophets. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Dhariyaat (51), Verses 24–27: 

‘Have you come across the narration of the honourable guests of (Prophet) Ibraheem (AS)? And when they came across him (Ibraheem (AS)) they said: “Peace be on you”; he said (silently): “Peace be on the unidentified nation.” Then he returned to his family and came back with a healthy (roasted) calf.‘ 

The example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) teaches us about the excellence of hospitality. He served his guests with haste, generosity, and personal attention, setting the ultimate standard for how a believer should honour a visitor. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6018, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honour his guest.’ 

This hadith makes honouring a guest a non-negotiable part of a Muslim’s identity. It is presented as direct and tangible proof of one’s belief in Allah and the Last Day. 

By teaching children these values, you instill in them that hospitality is a pathway to Allah Almighty’s pleasure and a way to embody prophetic character. Over time, they will understand that greeting guests warmly and serving them kindly is not only good manners but also part of their faith.