Houses, Permission to Enter - Islamic Etiquettes and Regulations
Introduction
In Islam, entering someone’s house without permission is regarded as a serious breach of etiquette and privacy. The concept of seeking permission before entering is known in Arabic as istiʾẕān (استئذان). This principle is well-established in the Qurʾān and further emphasized in the Hadith (Prophetic traditions), demonstrating its importance in maintaining respect and privacy within the community.
Etymology
Istiʾẕān (استئذان) derives from the Arabic verb ʾadhina (أَذِنَ), which means “to permit” or “to allow.” The prefix isti- is a request form, thereby making istiʾẕān translate literally to “seeking permission.” In Turkish, this concept is commonly referred to as izin istemek, which also means to request permission.
Qur’anic Teachings on Permission to Enter
The practice of seeking permission before entering someone else’s house is clearly outlined in the Qur’an. The relevant verses are found in Sūrah An-Nūr (24:27-29):
<p>“O ye who believe! enter not into other houses than your own, until ye have asked leave, and have saluted its inmates. This will be best for you: haply ye will bear this in mind.<br> “And if ye find no one therein, then enter it not till leave be given you; and if it be said to you, ‘Go ye back,’ then go ye back. This will be more blameless in you, and God knoweth what ye do.<br> “There shall be no harm in your entering houses in which no one dwelleth, for the supply of your needs: and God knoweth what ye do openly and what ye hide.”</p>
These verses emphasize the need for respectful interaction and privacy, encouraging Muslims to seek permission and to greet the inhabitants before entering a house.
Prophetic Traditions on Seeking Permission
The Hadith literature provides further insights and practical examples of how to apply these Qur’anic teachings. Some notable traditions include:
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Permission to Enter One’s Own Home: A man asked the Prophet Muhammad, “Must I ask leave to go in to see my mother?” The Prophet replied, “Yes.” The man responded, “But I stay in the same house with her!” The Prophet insisted: “But you must ask permission even if you stay in the same house.” The man questioned further, “But I wait upon her!” To which the Prophet concluded: “What! would you like to see her naked? You must ask permission.”
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Silence as a Response: Caliph ʿUmar reported that the Prophet taught if you salute three times and get no reply, you must leave the house.
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Exception with a Messenger: According to Abu Hurairah, the Prophet Muhammad said: “When anyone sends to call you then you can return with the messenger and enter the house without permission.”
Books for Further Study
For those interested in delving deeper into the Islamic teachings on istiʾẕān and related cultural practices, the following books are recommended:
- “The Timeless Qur’an” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Mishkat al-Masabih” by Al-Tibrizi
- “Sahih Bukhari” and “Sahih Muslim” - Translations by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan
Takeaways
- Respect for Privacy: Seeking permission reflects respect for individual privacy and personal space.
- Divine Command: The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize istiʾẕān as a command from Allah, highlighting its religious significance.
- Broad Applicability: The principle applies even within one’s own household and with close relatives.
Conclusion
The concept of istiʾẕān in Islam ensures that respect and decorum are maintained within the community. These teachings, rooted in both the Qurʾān and Prophetic traditions, underline the importance of privacy and respect for others’ personal spaces. Understanding and adhering to these principles fosters harmonious social interactions and upholds the ethical standards promoted by Islam.
