Asking Permission Before Entering

Giving the greeting and asking permission before entering a door is a fine lesson in the etiquette of the sunnah.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to someone's door, he would not stand directly facing it but would move to its right or left side, then give the greeting and ask permission. He said, "If one of you asks permission three times and it is not granted, let him turn back." This habit is the most concrete form of respect for the right to privacy.

What is the hadith source of this sunnah?

This sunnah rests on the following hadiths. The reference gives the collection, chapter and number where the hadith appears.

• D5186 Ebû Dâvûd, Edeb, 127-128.
• B6245 Buhârî, İsti'zân, 13.

More sunnahs in Everyday Courtesy

As a table with references: Everyday Courtesy sunnahs.

• Alhamdulillah When Sneezing: Saying "Alhamdulillah" when you sneeze is a short remembrance the Prophet taught.
• A Smile Is Charity: Smiling at your brother's face is charity. The Prophet's own laughter was a smile.
• Respect for Elders, Love for the Young: Showing mercy to the young and honoring the rights of elders was the Prophet's counsel.
• Removing an Obstacle from the Road: Removing something harmful from the road is charity.
• Answering an Invitation: Going where you are invited is a sunnah that gladdens the one who invited you.
• Turning with the Whole Body: When turning to someone, turning your whole body and not just your head shows them your full attention.
• Suppressing a Yawn: When a yawn comes during prayer, holding it back as much as one can was the Prophet's counsel.
• Being Self-Sufficient: Meeting your own needs without asking anything of others is safeguarding your dignity.
• Bismillah in Daily Tasks: Remembering Allah's name while closing a door and in daily tasks is beginning one's work with Bismillah.
• Walking with Purpose: Walking with quick, decided steps and a slight forward lean was the Prophet's way of walking.
• Running and Sport: On a journey, the Prophet raced on foot with his wife Aisha.
• Not Judging by Appearance: Allah looks not at forms and wealth but at hearts and deeds. Judge no one by appearance.