We know through the hadith of the Prophet f that it is the right of a Muslim upon another Muslim that he feeds him and houses him for one day in a generous manner, and then after that two days in the normal way that he lives (i.e. three days and nights overall). Ḍiyāfah, or being a host, is something that is expected. Our scholars have said that this means if a stranger comes to the city and he doesn’t have any money, the community is obliged to ensure someone takes care of the stranger’s basic needs for three days before he moves on.
