The tradition of hospitality in Muslim societies is shaped by a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and religious factors.

Historical Roots of Hospitality in Muslim Societies

The tradition of hospitality in Muslim societies is shaped by a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and religious factors. First, the historical dynamics—characterized by intergenerational crises, wars, and epidemics—necessitated the creation of robust mechanisms for transmitting social norms and values. As one source notes, "Since our life is tumultuous, with wars, epidemics, and much more causing nearly an entire generation to be wiped out and vanish completely, there were mechanisms in place to transfer this information further" (source: link txt). These conditions contributed to making the care for guests an integral part of social life and collective self-consciousness.

Secondly, cultural exchange and the synthesis of traditions, especially the influence of Eastern customs, significantly impacted the development of hospitality. An example is provided by the observation of an Arab traveler: "Together with the deceased warrior, his wives were burned on the funeral pyre. This gruesome ritual was detailed by the Arab traveler Ahmad Ibn-Fadlan, who witnessed the burial of a noble Rus in 922... The strictly observed custom of hospitality made the Slavic lands safe for travelers, and the host was collectively responsible for the safety of the foreign guest" (source: link txt). Here, the respect for foreigners and the understanding of the responsibility for guests' safety emerged as vital elements, adopted and modified within Eastern, and later Muslim, cultural tradition.

Finally, religious prescriptions and beliefs play a decisive role. In Muslim culture, as in related traditions, hospitality is perceived not simply as a social obligation but as a moral and spiritual duty, expressed through genuine care for one’s neighbor and a respectful attitude toward strangers. This religious motivation inspires people to be generous and attentive even to those in difficult situations—a value deeply embedded in the collective consciousness and passed down through generations.

Thus, historical upheavals, the need to maintain social connections during crises, the cultural blending of Eastern traditions, and religious norms promoting generosity and care for guests collectively ensure that the tradition of hospitality occupies a central place in Muslim societies.