Chapter 141 - Seeking Permission to enter by telling one's Name

Anas reported in the course of his famous Hadith pertaining to Al-Isra' (the Ascension) that Messenger of Allah said,

"Then Jibril (Gabriel) ascended along with me to the nearest heaven and requested for the gate to be opened. He was asked: `Who is there?' He replied: `Jibril.' He was asked: `Who is with you?' He said: `Muhammad.' Then he ascended to the second heaven and requested for the opening of the gate. He was asked: `Who is there?' He said: `Jibril.' He was asked: `Who is with you?' He replied: `Muhammad.' In the same way he ascended to the third, fourth and all the heavens (i.e., until the seventh). At all of the gates he was asked: `Who is there?' He replied: Jibril.''' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Dharr reported: I stepped out one night and saw Messenger of Allah walking by himself. I began to walk in the moonlit night. He turned round and saw me and asked,

"Who is there?''

I replied: "Abu Dharr.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Umm Hani reported: I went to the Prophet who was taking a bath while Fatimah was screening him. He asked,

"Who is there?''  

I replied: "I am Umm Hani.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Jabir reported: I went to the Prophet and knocked at the door (to seek permission). He asked,

"Who is there?''  

I said: "I''. He   repeated,

'' I, I?!''

as if he disliked it. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: At the doorstep, the visitor should disclose his identity to the host. Secondly, to knock at the door or to ring the door-bell is tantamount to seeking permission to enter the house. When the host comes out, the visitor should first offer him As-Salam.