Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Hospitality & Welcoming Strangers
Welcoming the stranger is a sacred duty across traditions. Abraham's tent, Islam's emphasis on honoring guests, and the Buddhist ethic of generosity all teach that hospitality is not merely social courtesy but a spiritual practice reflecting divine love.
Across the World's Religions
Christianity
- פרקטיקה
- Philoxenia — love of strangers; entertaining angels
- Key Text
- Hebrews 13:2; Matthew 25:35; Romans 12:13
Islam
- פרקטיקה
- Diyafa — hospitality as obligation; guests have rights
- Key Text
- Quran 51:24-27; Hadith (Bukhari 6019)
Judaism
- פרקטיקה
- Hachnasat orchim — welcoming guests (Abraham's example)
- Key Text
- Genesis 18:1-8; Leviticus 19:34
Hinduism
- פרקטיקה
- Atithi Devo Bhava — the guest is God
- Key Text
- Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11; Manusmriti 3.70
Buddhism
- פרקטיקה
- Generosity to travelers and monastics; open monastery doors
- Key Text
- DN 31 (Sigalovada Sutta); Jataka 540