The hospitality of Hujjat al-Islam Nanotwi

Good hospitality is not the adherence to rigid formalities that have no benefit1. True generosity is that we strive to make our guest comfortable without pomp and with a clean intention.

Indeed guests are to be given fine food2. However, fine does not mean pricey rather it refers to that which they would appreciate.

Hujjat al-Islam Qasim Nanotwi 3 would serve exquisite dishes to guests who were poor whilst to his rich guests he would give ordinary dishes. Upon enquiry, he exclaimed, ‘Guests should be fed food that they normally do not have.’ This is simplicity. This is consideration. This is sincerity.

• 1. See Fath al-Bari et al. نهانا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أن نتكلف للضيف
• 2. See Mua'tta Malik et al. من كان يؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر فليكرم ضيفه جائزته يوم وليلة
• 3. Majalis Hakim al-Ummat (1396 AH). Mufti Shafi Usmani (ed). Karachi, Pakistan; Darul Isha'at. p. 260