Narrated Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari: There was a man called Abu Shu'aib, and he had a slave who was a butcher. He said (to his slave), "Prepare a meal to which I may invite Allah's Messenger ﷺ along with four other men". So he invited Allah's Messenger ﷺ and four other men, but another man followed them whereupon the Prophet ﷺ said, "You have invited me as one of five guests, but now another man has followed us. If you wish you can admit him, and if you wish you can refuse him". On that the host said, "But I admit him". Narrated Muhammad bin Isma'il: If guests are sitting at a dining table, they do not have the right to carry food from other tables to theirs, but they can pass on food from their own table to each other; otherwise they should leave it.
The Prophet ﷺ also taught us that we should not take food from other tables without permission, as this could cause discomfort or embarrassment for those at the table. Instead, we should pass on food from our own table to each other if needed. This teaches us to be respectful and considerate towards others in all aspects of life, including hospitality and meals with friends or family members.
Overall, this hadith teaches us about being respectful and considerate when inviting guests for a meal or any other occasion where hospitality is involved. We must remember that it is important to show respect towards our fellow human beings by being mindful of their needs and wishes while still being generous in our hospitality towards them.
