Is this Hadith reliable?
الضيافة ثلاثة أيام، فما زاد فهو صدقة، وكل معروف صدقة
Answer
Imam Bazzar (rahimahullah) has recorded these words on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Hafiz Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the narrators reliable (thiqat).
(Musnad Bazzar; Kashful Astar, Hadith: 1928, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 8 pg. 176)
Translation
Hospitality is [very recommended] for three days. Whatever is beyond that is regarded as charity and all good deeds are charity
Note: Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim (rahimahumallah) have recorded a similar Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Shurayh (radiyallahu ‘anhu):
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Hospitality is [very recommended] for three days. Whatever is beyond that is sadaqah”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6019-6135 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1726)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar