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"Has the story of Ibrahim's honoured guests reached you ˹O Prophet˺? ˹Remember˺ when they entered his presence and greeted ˹him with˺, “Peace!” He replied, “Peace ˹be upon you˺!” ˹Then he said to himself,˺ “These people must be strangers!” Then he slipped off to his family and brought a fat ˹roasted˺ calf, and placed it before them, asking, “Will you not eat?” (QS Adz Dzariyat 24-27)

It is a piece of story engraved in one letter of the Quran telling us about the Prophet Ibrahim having visitors. They are the angels, Gabriel, Mikail and Israfil, incarnated in the figure of handsome and dignified young men. After returning his best regards, Prophet Ibrahim said "(you) are unknown people (foreigners)". However, he agreed and rushed to his family then returned to  his guests by serving food from his livestock, roasted calf meat while asking his guests to eat the dish politely and respectfully.

What the Prophet and his family did is the historical root and main concept of courteous and comfortable service. Even though he did not know the guests, he entertained them sincerily and nobly. This story is a role model that should be emulated regarding excellent entertaining and serving.

Prophet Ibrahim has exemplified a noble act, immensely worthy to imitate. From the story above, we are able to conclude Prophet Ibrahim laid the foundation for how to offer good service to guests. If we take it from English, what Prophet Ibrahim did is part of hospitality.

Etymologically, the word hospitality comes from the Proto-Italic word "hospes". The word "host" is a combination of the words "hostis" which means stranger, and "postis" which means host. The derivative of the word 'hospitalis' means guest room or lodging.

According to Mill (1990): The hospitality of an area is the general feeling of welcome that tourists receive while visiting the area. People do not want to go when they do not feel welcome. If intrepreted openly, hospitality is a place where tourists feel welcome to visit. People will refuse to come if they feel unwelcome (Hermawan et al., 2018).

Hospitality is not a mere selling elite class hotel rooms, or delicious food to be full. However, it is a business required soul or spirit to be executed. In other words, Hospitality is about making dead products alive, thus they touch the feelings of customers as humans with souls (Hermawan et al., 2018).

Involving religiousity in the services is one of the values of Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) since it follows a story of the companion of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Once upon time, the Prophet Muhammad SAW had guest, thus He offered His friends to entertain them. Finally, one of them, a simple but wholehearted couple would ready to treat them sincerely.

The husband supposed there was enough food at home, however his wife noticed him there was only enough food left for their child. Shortly, she persuaded her child to sleep, while her husband accompanied the guest to eat. He dimmed the house lights and asked his guest to finish the dish, meanwhile the host pretended to eat.

The practice of glorifying the Prophet's friends is more than a story. It was imitated in Thursina by offering excellent service as a Benchmark to serve the guests and visitors or guardians of students well. Initially, the front office staff will smile. It is a universal language, interpreted as a sign of a friendly welcome, or a gentle greeting. As The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught, "Your smile for your brother is a charity." (HR At-Tirmidzi).

There are 6 principles implemented in the service of Thursina based on what Allah SWT said, including Qaulan Sadidan (An Nisa verse 9), Qaulan Balighan (An Nisa verse 63), Qaulan Mansyuran (Al Isra verse 28), Qaulan Layyinan (Thaha verse 44), Qaulan Kariman (Al Isra verse 23), and Qaulan Ma'rufan (An Nisa verse 5).

Educating is more than teaching in the class, role model from all parties in the school is the greatest factor of successful education. Thursina IIBS persistently exemplifies the good role model through outstanding service in welcoming the visitors. The emphasis on values ​​is running through the exemplar, highlighting moral behavior, and behaving impeccably to others.

The Qudwah is internalised gradually to all students. Thursina IIBS prioritizes the development of morals, thereby building an excellent future civilization.

Wallahu'alam bi showab.

Written by : Ustadz Sabar Arifin, M.M - (Chief of Relations and Enrolment Office Thursina IIBS)