The phrase "Knock three times" though generally means knocking at someone's door to announce one's visitation, in many cultures, this phrase has paranormal linkages to demons or arrival of the angel of death. The time of 3:33 am, which is taken as knock three times, is both superstitions about death and the supernatural. It can also be a biblical reference, as in the Salvation Army story of Peter's call from Jesus, or a Masonic ritual for identifying members.
But seeking permission is not just social etiquette — it’s an act of faith and a mark of a true believer who respects others’ dignity, for three times knocking provides adequate reaction time for the people of the house to get organized before opening the door.
Let us dwell on the subject in the light of teaching of Qur'an and Sunnah:
Qur’anic Foundation
Believers are Divine directed to seek permission to enter someone's house, be a friend or even own brother. In this regard, let us quote the verses 27-28 of Surah 24. An-Nūr (The Light):
“O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted their inhabitants. That is better for you, so that you may be mindful. And if you do not find anyone therein, do not enter until permission is given to you; and if you are told, ‘Go back,’ then go back—it is purer for you. And Allah knows what you do.”
Note: This verse and the post should be read in conjunction with our earlier post: Al-Qurʾān: The right to privacy and etiquette of visitation
Explanation: The command applies to all — even relatives and close friends.
- “Asking permission” means: announce your presence respectfully (not barge in).
- “Greeting” means: say As-salāmu ʿalaykum before entering.
- If told “go back”, one should not feel insulted — it is a matter of privacy, not rejection.
Purpose: The purpose of knocking and seeking permission to enter is to safeguard people’s honor, modesty, and comfort — key values in an Islamic home and society.
Hadith Teachings (Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ)
There are number of Hadiths that explicitly explain the meaning of the verses from Qur'an mentioned above.
- Knock Three Times: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has been quoted assaying:
- “When one of you seeks permission to enter three times and is not granted permission, let him return.” — (Bukhari 6245, Muslim 2153)
- Lesson: This Hadith has a lesson for all the visitors for not insisting to be welcome or showing annoyance - but willingly respecting others’ privacy, and returning if no answer is received or visitation is declined.
- Knock Politely — Not Loudly
- The Prophet ﷺ would not bang on doors but would say the salam softly or use his fingertips to tap. (Adab al-Mufrad by Bukhari, 1088)
- This gesture expresses reflection of humility and gentleness on the part of the visitor.
- It also means that if the people of the house are asleep, a loud bang does not wake them up.
- However, in case of emergency a loud bang may be considered.
- Do Not Stand Directly in Front of the Door
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “Asking permission has been prescribed because of sight (to prevent gazing into others’ homes).” — (Bukhari 6241, Muslim 2156)
- And when he came to a door, he would not face it directly — he would stand to the right or left and say: “As-salāmu ʿalaykum, may I enter?” — (Abu Dawūd 5173)
- One should avoid seeing inside the house before being permitted.
- And one should only enter if ushered in whole heartedly by the man of the house.
- The
Why This Matters
- For Social Etiquette
- Teaches boundaries — no intrusion into others’ privacy.
- Promotes mutual respect between family members, neighbors, and guests.
- For Families Today: Even inside the same house:
Qur’an 24:58 instructs children and servants to ask permission before entering parents’ private rooms at certain times (early morning, midday, and night).
- Modern Relevance: In the digital age, this teaching extends to:
- Knocking before entering rooms.
- Not peeking into others’ phones or private messages.
- Respecting personal space, privacy, and consent.
Islam teaches social etiquettes so that men learn to respect each other's privacy, dignity and honour. Barging into someone's house unannounced and without permission is not only against any customary and social norms but also violates privacy of a family which is otherwise preserved inside the four walls,
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our exclusive reference page Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Morality for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.
Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imaan of the masjid for more clarification.
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