Parenting Perspective 

When guests are due, parents often carry the full weight of preparation. Children watch but sometimes feel excluded or see hosting as stressful. Involving them in tiny, age-appropriate prep jobs turns hosting into a family effort and teaches that hospitality is about thoughtfulness, not extravagance. Children thrive when given purposeful roles, and these tasks show them that even small actions can make others feel cared for. 

Simple Jobs for Younger Children 

• Placing napkins, tissues, or spoons neatly on the table. 

• Collecting toys from the floor so the living room feels inviting. 

• Putting slippers near the entrance for elderly guests. 

Helpful Roles for Older Children 

• Pouring water into jugs and placing glasses out. 

• Preparing a small tray of dates, fruit, or nuts. 

• Greeting guests at the door with ‘Assalamu Alaikum’ and a smile. 

How to Frame the Experience 

Explain to children that their role is not to “help Mum” or “save Dad time” but to honour the guest together as a family. Praise their efforts warmly: ‘You made our guests feel really welcome when you arranged the snacks.’ This way, they connect hospitality with generosity rather than with chores. 

By distributing these little jobs, you not only lighten your own load but also raise children who associate hospitality with joy and teamwork. Over time, they learn that hosting is less about the food and more about the warmth of serving others with sincerity. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great emphasis on welcoming guests as a reflection of faith. When children are encouraged to contribute, even in small ways, they learn that hospitality is an act of worship that brings blessings into the home. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Dhariyaat (51), Verses 24–26: 

‘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.’ 

This reminds us that Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) modelled eagerness in serving his guests. The lesson is that generosity and readiness to host are noble qualities we should pass on to our children, starting with simple gestures. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6019, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

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

This teaches us that hospitality is not optional courtesy but a sign of true belief. By giving children roles in hosting, parents show them that faith is lived through actions from greeting with salam to offering water and that these deeds carry spiritual value. 

When families frame tiny prep jobs as acts of worship, children learn that kindness and attentiveness to guests invite Allah’s mercy. Such lessons plant seeds of humility, generosity, and service in their hearts, ensuring they grow into adults who spread warmth wherever they go.