Guests – Allah’s Mercy in Disguise

Guests – Blessings in Disguise

BY:Khan

Ashraf returned home one evening, exhausted from a long day at work. As he entered, he found his twelve-year-old son Kashif arguing with his mother. Surprised, Ashraf asked gently,

“What’s wrong, son? Why are you upset today?”

Kashif frowned. “Papa, what else could it be? Just a few days ago, big aunt came to stay with us for almost two weeks with all her children. And today, I heard Mama talking on the phone with little aunt, inviting her to come and stay with us too!”

Ashraf smiled, still confused. “So what happened after that?”

Kashif burst out, “What happened? If I ask Mama for pocket money, she gives me just ten rupees! And if I say, ‘What can I buy with ten rupees these days?’ she says, ‘Your father works in a private company. He’s not the owner of a bank.’ Papa, in these times of inflation, even ten rupees is hardly enough. But she gives aunt’s children twenty rupees each, buys them snacks like naan chana, dahi bhalle, and bread, while I barely get anything.”

Ashraf chuckled softly but then spoke with wisdom. “My son, guests are the mercy of Allah. Serving them is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”

Kashif crossed his arms. “That may be true, Papa. But shouldn’t we also look at our budget? Your salary is twenty thousand rupees. If we spend two thousand on guests, the budget is bound to get disturbed. At the end of the month, we’ll be forced to borrow money from others.”

Ashraf patted his son’s shoulder. “Listen, Kashif. Never worry about this. When salary comes, debts get repaid. And remember—every guest brings his own share of provision from Allah. Outwardly, it may look like expenses are increasing, but in reality, Allah showers His mercy and blessings on that household. These blessings may not always be visible, but they keep the family happy and safe.”

He paused, then added warmly, “Do you know what Allah told Prophet Musa (peace be upon him)? Once, Musa asked, ‘O my Lord, what do You do when You are pleased with someone?’ Allah replied, ‘I send them guests.’ Musa asked again, and Allah said, ‘I grant them daughters.’ And when he asked a third time, Allah said, ‘I give them rain.’ So you see, when Allah blesses a family, He sends them guests first.”

Kashif tilted his head. “Papa, I don’t fully understand. How can guests bring provision with them?”

Ashraf smiled, remembering old times. “Long ago, people used to celebrate when guests arrived. If a guest came to one house, all the neighbors wished for him to visit their homes too. If he accepted their invitation, that house would be filled with joy. And if he couldn’t, families would still cook delicious food and send it to the guest’s house. People used to lay out simple mats on the ground, serving corn or millet bread, a glass of buttermilk, and a small piece of butter. Life was simple, yet hearts were full.”

Kashif laughed. “But Papa, that was the age of buttermilk and butter. Today is the age of pizza and burgers!”

Ashraf smiled again. “True, my son. Times change, but the value of hospitality never does. Let me tell you another story. During the blessed time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a woman once came to him and complained. She said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, my husband brings guests home every day. I cannot manage to serve them all.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) listened silently and gave no reply.

Some days later, the Prophet told her husband that he wished to visit their home as a guest. When the man told his wife, she felt happy, thinking perhaps the Prophet would advise her husband not to bring so many guests.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) came, ate at their house, and then, as he left, he told the man to let his wife watch him depart. As the Prophet stepped out, the woman saw with her own eyes that pests, insects, and harmful things were leaving her house behind him. The Prophet then explained that when guests enter a home, they not only bring blessings with them, but when they leave, they take away troubles and misfortunes.

So, Kashif, never consider guests a burden. Treat them as a blessing.”

Kashif’s eyes widened in awe. “SubhanAllah, Papa! Now I understand that guests are truly Allah’s mercy.”

A shy voice piped up in the corner—it was little Sehrish, Kashif’s younger sister. “Papa, I think we should call little aunt right away and tell her to stay with us for a whole month!”

At this, everyone burst out laughing.


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Reflection

Hospitality has always been at the heart of Eastern culture, but modern life and financial worries sometimes make us forget its spiritual value. This story reminds us that guests are not just people who come and go—they are carriers of divine blessings. They test our generosity, strengthen our patience, and open the doors of unseen mercy.

In a world that chases material comfort, may we never lose the warmth of sharing, welcoming, and serving others with open hearts.