The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta addressed several questions that concern many Muslims, including the appropriate length of a visit, the meaning of the Quranic verse “And test the orphans until they reach marriageable age”, and the ruling on sending prayers and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ after the Adhan.
What Is the Ruling on Staying Too Long During a Visit?
A question was raised about the Islamic guidance for someone who remains for a long time when visiting another person, potentially causing embarrassment or inconvenience to the members of the household.
The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta explained that Islamic teachings call upon visitors not to prolong their visits, while taking the circumstances of the household into consideration, as the family may be occupied with other important matters.
It cited the Quranic verse: “O believers, do not enter the houses of the Prophet unless permission is given to you for a meal, without waiting for its preparation. But when you are invited, then enter. And when you have eaten, then disperse, without lingering for conversation.” [Quran 33:53].
The verse refers to an occasion when people ate at the home of the Prophet ﷺ during the wedding feast of Zaynab bint Jahsh, then remained in the house talking while the Prophet ﷺ was occupied with the needs of his family. His modesty prevented him from asking them to leave.
The guidance therefore emphasizes that a visitor should avoid prolonging a visit or repeating visits in a way that causes the household discomfort or boredom.
What Does “Testing the Orphans” Mean in the Quran?
Another question concerned the meaning of Allah's statement: “And test the orphans until they reach marriageable age; then if you find sound judgment in them, hand over to them their property.” [Quran 4:6].
The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta explained that testing the orphans means training and assessing them in ways that promote their well-being in both religious and worldly matters.
This includes teaching them acts of worship, obligations, proper manners, good character, and the skills needed to manage their lives and livelihood according to their individual circumstances.
The concept of recognizing sound judgment involves observing how well the orphan handles and manages matters in which they have been tested, repeatedly, until their maturity and sound judgment become evident.
The guidance also emphasizes that an orphan's property is a trust held by the guardian. Proper training and preparation are therefore part of responsible care and guardianship.
Is It Permissible to Send Prayers and Peace Upon the Prophet After the Adhan?
Another question concerned saying expressions such as “Prayers and peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah” immediately after the Adhan, and whether doing so is obligatory or recommended.
The response cited the narration of Abdullah ibn Umar, in which the Prophet ﷺ said: “When you hear the caller to prayer, repeat what he says, then send blessings upon me...”
The ruling concerning the muezzin himself has been discussed differently by Islamic jurists. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools held that it is recommended for both the muezzin and the listener to send prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ after the Adhan.
Other jurists preferred restricting the wording of the Adhan to the established expressions, so that people would not eventually consider additional phrases to be part of the Adhan itself.
The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta stated that it adopts the view permitting prayers and peace upon the Prophet ﷺ after the Adhan, while recommending a pause between the end of the Adhan and the subsequent prayers and salutations, making the distinction clear.
Summary of the Fatwas
These rulings address different aspects of Islamic etiquette and worship, including visiting others, caring for orphans, and what may be said after the Adhan. Together, they emphasize consideration for others, responsible guardianship, and observance of established religious practices.
Should a visitor avoid staying too long?
Yes. Visitors should consider the circumstances of the household and avoid staying long enough to cause inconvenience or discomfort.
What does testing an orphan mean?
It means training and assessing the orphan in religious and worldly matters until sound judgment becomes evident.
When should an orphan's property be handed over?
It should be handed over after the orphan reaches the appropriate age and demonstrates sound judgment and responsible conduct.
Can prayers and peace be sent upon the Prophet after the Adhan?
The cited ruling permits it, provided that there is a clear separation between the Adhan and the prayers and salutations that follow it.
