If I am invited to a meal of a sheep's trotter or arm, I would accept the invitation

Explanation

This Hadīth is an indication of the Prophet's exemplary manners and humility, as well as his keenness to avoid hurting people's feelings by accepting their gifts even if they are seemingly insignificant, and by answering their invitation to their houses even if he knew that the meal he was invited to was humble. Because the reason behind accepting a gift and accepting an invitation is to pleasing the host and strengthening love and friendship, while refusing a gift or not accepting an invitation creates repulsion and hatred, and its humbleness should not be looked down upon. The sheep's arm (shoulder) and trotter (foot and calf) were specifically mentioned to combine between the worthless part and the best part, as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) liked the shoulder meat more than any other part of the sheep, while the foot has no value. So, the value of the gift or meal was of no importance to him.

Categories