The Etiquette of Banquet in the View of Islamic Traditions

Infallible Imam's traditions and sayings are a vast treasure of narrations about such important social topics including the etiquette of banquet. Giving and attending a banquet strengthens close social ties and promotes unity and brotherhood among Muslims. Therefore, Islam strongly recommends giving banquet and generous acts of hospitality. There are two sides in this social norm: the guest and the host and each of them has duties towards the other. Islamic traditions mention some of the duties of the host which are as follows: attending to and welcoming the guest, laying on lavish entertainment for the guest, joining in with guest in eating giving no assignment to the guest, accompanying the guest to the gate when he/she leaves. The guest has also some duties towards the host which are as follows: not bringing with him/her uninvited guests, taking the seat assigned by the host, making the visit as brief as possible, preserving one's eyes avoiding spying; and keeping the secrets of the family of the host