Parenting Perspective 

It can be uncomfortable when guests overlook or disregard your family’s etiquette, such as rules about removing shoes or keeping food in certain areas. On the one hand, you want to be a gracious host, but on the other, you must protect your household values and model consistency for your children. The key is to set and maintain your boundaries politely and firmly, without causing embarrassment. 

State the Rule Politely and Early 

When your guests arrive, you can gently guide them by framing your rules as a normal part of your household. For example: ‘We usually leave our shoes here by the door; let me show you where.’ Stating your house etiquette clearly at the very beginning helps to avoid any awkwardness later on. If a guest forgets, a calm and friendly reminder is usually enough. 

Protect Your Child’s Perspective 

Children are very quick to notice inconsistencies. If you allow your guests to break important rules without any comment, your child may start to see your family boundaries as optional or unimportant. Even a polite and gentle correction shows them that the etiquette of your home matters, regardless of who is visiting. 

Balance Firmness With Warmth 

It is important to keep your tone respectful and your body language welcoming, even when you are correcting a guest. If a guest repeatedly ignores a particular rule, you can still uphold it without showing anger. It is often helpful to offset this firmness with extra kindness in other areas, such as by offering refreshments generously. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that while hospitality is a sacred duty, it does not require a person to abandon the order or sanctity of their home. A Muslim household should be both welcoming and principled, reflecting a healthy balance in faith and manners. 

Respecting the Boundaries of a Home 

The Quran teaches that respecting the boundaries and rules of another person’s home is a mark of purity and a clear Islamic expectation for any visitor. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Noor (24), Verses 28: 

‘…And if you are told: “Turn back”, then turn back (without any hard feelings) , as (such a response) shall purify for you (your dealings with people); and Allah (Almighty) is Omniscient of all your actions.‘ 

The Guest’s Duty to Be Considerate 

The prophetic tradition teaches that while hospitality should be honoured, guests also have a responsibility to be considerate and to respect the limits and comfort of the household they are visiting. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1726, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘It is not lawful for a Muslim to stay with his brother until he causes him to sin.’ They asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah, how does he cause him to sin?’ He said: ‘He stays with him when he has nothing to host him with.’ 

By addressing ignored etiquette calmly, you are reflecting a prophetic balance. Your child learns that rules are not abandoned simply to please others, and that true hospitality combines generosity with a deep respect for the values of the home.