ভূমিকা

That is better for you, so that you might be admonished.” The Arabic word /’istinas/ means to ask permission and to declare one’s entrance or coming in. According to some Islamic narrations, entrance to a place can be stated by saying Allah’s name, or by footfall, or by greeting calling hello, and the like.[^1] Some one asked the Prophet (S) whether he had to ask permission for entering his mother's house.

He said: “Yes.” That man said: “Except her no one lives in the house, and except me no servant she has!” The Prophet (S) said: “Do you like to see your mother nude?” The man said: “No.” Then the Prophet (S) said: “So ask permission.” There is another narration in which the Prophet (S) prohibited men from entering the houses in which women’s guardians are not present.

^2 In narrations we read that we must ask permission for three times so that those people in the house may have time enough to get ready. (Of course, permission is asked only for entering others’ house.

Man can enter his house without prior notice.) For saving a person who is sinking in the water, the oppressed and one who is trapped in fire no permission is needed.[^3] Whenever the Prophet (S) wanted to enter a house, he did not stand in front of its door for asking permission, but he stood either on the left or right so that his blessed look might not fall inside the house.[^4] In another authentic narration we read that when the Prophet (S) wanted to enter the house of his daughter, Fatimah (as), he put his hand on the door and then pushed it aside a little.

Then he said: “Peace be upon you!” Fatimah (as) answered her father. Then the Prophet (S) said: “May I enter?” Fatimah (as) said: “Yes, O’ Messenger of Allah (S)!” The Prophet (S) said: “May my companion enter the house, too?” Then she said: “I have no veil on my head.” When she veiled herself in an Islamic way, the Prophet (S) made salutation again and Fatimah (as) answered. Again he (S) asked permission for himself.