Seeking Permission (Isti'dhan) and Its Conditions

Verse: "O believers, do not enter houses other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted their inhabitants." (24:27)

Rulings derived:

1. Greeting before entering: Saluting is required before seeking permission — "tasta'nisu" means to seek permission and greet.
2. Three times: Established in the Sunnah that permission is sought three times — if granted, enter; if not, leave. (Bukhari 6245)
3. No peering: "It is not permissible for anyone to look into a household without their permission" — permission before looking, not after.
4. Departing if denied: "If you are told 'go back,' then go back — that is purer for you" (24:28) — departing is a virtue, not a humiliation.

Isti'dhan in modern times: Includes phone calls and messages — "permission three times" is a general principle for all means of communication.

Exception: No permission needed for uninhabited buildings — "No blame upon you for entering uninhabited houses." (24:29)