Ibrahim (as), the excellent example of hospitality

Bismillah.

For this activity, we prepared puff pastries (some with spinach and cheese and some with jam) and then we learned the proper way to serve guests by studying the example of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) as described in the Holy Qur'an.

Hospitality of Ibrahim

DISCUSSION

1. Verses: 51:24 – 30
2. “the honored guests of Ibrahim” has two meaning – that Ibrahim (as) honored them by his actions and that they were honored Allah swt because of their rank in the angels
3. Ibrahim (as) responded to their greeting with a better one. They said “we greet you with peace” and he said back, “lasting and constant peace be upon you.” How do Muslims today return greetings?
4. Ibrahim (as) hasten to prepare food, then put it in front of them and THEN invited them to eat. If he had asked them if they were hungry before he prepared food, how might the guests feel?
5. Ibrahim (as) did not have to run off to the store even though the guests were unexpected. That means that he was prepared for guests any time
6. He brought forth a fat and roasted calf – which means… he served the food himself, he didn’t have someone else do it. He brought the complete animal so they could pick whatever park they wanted. He choose the best of what he had for the guests (a fat calf) instead of thin animal.
7. He put the food right in front of the guests… so they didn’t have to get up.
8. He said “will you not eat” – inviting them with gently and polite words. Not, “Yallah, food is ready.” He didn’t try to force them to eat – come on, eat up! But the way he highly showed that he strongly wished they would eat.

REVIEW MANNERS OF SERVING GUESTS
Greeting
Do not make guests feel shy by making them ask or making them get up to get the food
Offer the best of what you have
Invite them to eat in gentle and kind words

GO PRACTICE!