Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 140
Seeking Permission to enter (somebody's House) and Manners relating to it

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them.'' (24:27)

"And when the children among you come to puberty, then let them (also) ask for permission, as those senior to them (in age).'' (24:59)

870. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Permission is to be sought thrice. If it is accorded, you may enter; otherwise, go back.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

871. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Seeking permission to enter (somebody's house) has been prescribed in order to restrain the eyes (from looking at something we are not supposed to look at).''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:  Within the four walls of their homes, people are normally engaged in different types of domestic chores, or they rest in seclusion. Women understandably do things at home in a relaxed manner which is scarcely possible for them in the presence of a man not belonging to their household. We commit an intrusion upon others' privacy and also eye the Hijab-observing women by entering a house without permission. Both the things are prohibited and must be avoided.

872. Rib`i bin Hirash (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man of Banu `Amir tribe has told us that he had asked the Prophet (PBUH) for permission to enter when he was at home. He said: "May I enter?'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to the servant, "Go out and instruct him about the manner of seeking permission. Tell him to say: As-Salamu `Alaikum (may you be safe from evil). May I come in?'' The man heard this and said: "As-Salamu `Alaikum (may you be safe from evil). May I come in?'' The Prophet (PBUH) then accorded permission to him and he entered in.
[Abu Dawud].

Commentary:  This Hadith teaches us manners of visiting a house. One should offer As-Salam to the host at the doorstep and then seek his permission to enter. Moreover, we are told to impart a religious information to an ignorant person so that he may put it into practice.

873. Kildah bin Al-Hanbal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I visited the Prophet (PBUH) and I entered his house without seeking permission. So he said, "Go back and say: `As-Salamu `alaikum (may you be safe from evil). May I come in?'''
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].