Chapter 3 - On Seeking Permission to Enter

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “Whoever sweats while trying to fulfill the needs of his believing brother will not be punished.”

“Say “In the name of God” whenever you want to enter your room so Satan runs away. When you enter your house say greetings so that blessings descend and the angels get accustomed to the residents of your house.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “Say: “in the name of God and by God” whenever you enter your house and greet your family. If no one is at home say “In the name of God, and greetings upon God's Prophet and his household, greetings on us and on the good servants of God.” Once you say this Satan will run away from your house.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “Whenever a man enters his house he should stamp the floor with his shoes and clear his throat to let everybody know he has come and he does not see something disgusting.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said the following regarding the verse: “Enter not houses other than your own, until ye have asked permission and saluted those in them: that is best for you.” [The Holy Quran: Nur 24:27] “Asking permission implies greeting and stamping the floor with your shoes at the time you want to enter the house.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “After you are granted permission to enter a house, greet first (by saying one of the names of God). You must ask permission to enter from outside the door where you cannot see anything inside since you are ordered to seek permission to enter just for what you might see. You must seek permission to enter three times. Enter whenever they granted permission, but return immediately if they ask you to return. The first time is to let the residents of the house hear your request. The second request is to let them cover up their body to meet the veiling requirements, and the third request is to give them a chance to grant permission to enter or deny it. If they do not grant permission to enter, you must immediately return.”

Whenever God's Prophet (a.s) went to someone's door, he would not leave until he greeted the residents of the house three times so as to seek permission to enter.

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “Whenever your slaves who work in your house or those who have not reached puberty want to enter the house they should seek permission to enter three times. Even adults who want to enter and see their mother, or sister or aunt, etc. should ask for permission to enter, and it should not suffice them to seek permission. And they should greet the residents since this is a form of obedience to God.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said the following regarding the Almighty God's statement: “O' ye who believe! Let those whom your right hands possess, and the (children) among you who have not come of age ask you permission (before they come to your presence), on three occasions” [The Holy Quran: Nur 24:58] “This refers to the male or female servants or young children who have not reached puberty. They should seek permission to enter on three occasions: After the night prayer which is the time to sleep, and “the while ye doff your clothes for the noon day heat” and “before morning prayer.” Your servants need not ask for permission to enter at other times.”

Prophet of God (a.s) left his house and went towards the Blessed Fatima's house while he accompanied him. When they reached her house, the Prophet put his hand on the door and shook it and said: “Peace be upon you.” Fatima said: “O' Prophet of God! Peace be upon you.” God's Prophet (a.s) said: “Can I enter?” She said: “O' Prophet of God! Come in please.” The Prophet (a.s) said: “Can my companion and I enter?” She said: “O' Prophet of God! I do not have a scarf.” The Prophet (a.s) said: “Just use the cloth that you are holding in your hands as a scarf.” She did that. Then the Prophet (a.s) said: “Peace be upon you.” She said: “O' Prophet of God! Peace be upon you.” The Prophet (a.s) said: “Can I enter?” She said: “O' Prophet of God! Yes.” He asked: “Can my companion and I enter?” She said: “Yes. You and your companion can enter.” Jabir narrated that first the Prophet entered and then he entered the house. At this moment they saw that the Blessed Fatima (a.s) was pale yellow like the color of the stomach of a locust. The Prophet asked: “Why is your face yellow?” She said: “O' Prophet of God! It is due to hunger.” The Prophet (a.s) said: “O' God who make the hungry ones full, and eliminate destruction! Please make Fatima the daughter of Muhammad full.” Jabir added that at this time he suddenly saw an inrush of blood started from Fatima's forehead under her skin and her face turned red, and she never again got hungry after that prayer.

Why do you not enter? Did I not grant you permission to enter? Is not my greeting back permission for you to enter? O' people of Iraq! Why are you surprised? That first permission is enough.” In another tradition we read that Imam Ali (a.s) sought permission to enter even from the free non-Muslims living in Muslim countries who, in return for paying the capital tax, enjoyed protection and safety.

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “A man should seek permission to enter the house of his married daughter and sister.”