Dr. Yousry Gabr, a prominent scholar of Al-Azhar, highlighted that the Prophet’s ﷺ practice of favoring the right side in hospitality is a well-established Sunnah symbolizing good manners, humility, and grace. He cited the authentic narration of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to our house and asked for water. We milked a sheep for him and mixed it with water from our well. I served it to him while Abu Bakr was on his left, Umar in front of him, and a Bedouin on his right. When the Prophet ﷺ finished, Umar said: ‘Here is Abu Bakr.’ The Prophet ﷺ, however, gave the remaining drink to the Bedouin and said: ‘Those on the right, those on the right—let those on the right begin.’ Anas added: ‘It became a Sunnah, it became a Sunnah, it became a Sunnah.’”

During his appearance on the program “Know Your Prophet” aired on Al-Nas TV, Dr. Gabr emphasized that this hadith encapsulates both hospitality etiquette and the Prophet’s humility. The visit to Anas ibn Malik’s home was an honor, reflecting the Prophet’s respect and affection for his companions.

He also noted that Anas proudly mentioned details like “our house,” “our well,” and “our sheep” as a form of reverence for anything touched by the Prophet ﷺ, which became blessed by his presence.

Dr. Gabr further explained that mixing milk with water in this case was for cooling and increasing quantity, permissible for personal use but not for trade, as selling diluted milk would be deceitful.

The Prophet ﷺ began drinking first as he had requested it, then instructed that the cup be passed to the person on his right, reaffirming the virtue of favoring the right side in all matters.

Dr. Gabr concluded that Anas’s triple repetition of “it became a Sunnah” emphasizes the deep importance of following this prophetic etiquette in all gatherings and acts of hospitality—a reflection of grace, humility, and the Prophet’s noble manners.

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