12 illustration(s) from this book
NOTE 13.--_On Hospitality._ The hospitable custom here mentioned is
observed by Muslims in compliance with a precept of their Prophet.
"Whoever," said he, "believes in God and the day of resurrection must
respect his guest; and the time of being kind to him is one day and one
night; and the period of entertaining him is three days; and after that,
if he does it longer, he benefits him more; but it is not right for a
guest to stay in the house of the host so long as to incommode him." He
even allowed the "right of a guest" to be taken by force from such as
would not offer it.[45] The following observations, respecting the
treatment of guests by the Bedawees, present an interesting commentary
upon the former precept, and upon our text:--"Strangers who have not any
friend or acquaintance in the camp, alight at the first tent that
presents itself: whether the owner be at home or not, the wife or
daughter immediately spreads a carpet, and prepares breakfast or dinner.
If the stranger's business requires a protracted stay, as, for instance,
if he wishes to cross the Desert under the protection of the tribe, the
host, after a lapse of three days and four hours from the time of his
arrival, asks whether he means to honour him any longer with his
company. If the stranger declares his intention of prolonging his visit,
it is expected that he should assist his host in domestic matters,
fetching water, milking the camel, feeding the horse, &c. Should he even
decline this, he may remain; but will be censured by all the Arabs of
the camp: he may, however, go to some other tent of the nezel [or
encampment], and declare himself there a guest. Thus, every third or
fourth day he may change hosts, until his business is finished, or he
has reached his place of destination."[46]