One day, Safinah was with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when someone knocked very softly on the door. It was Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), asking politely if he could come inside.

Another time, Saad ibn Ubaddah came to the door and stood right in front of it, trying to look inside. The Prophet gently signaled for him to step to one side. After a short while, he invited him in.

“The proper way to enter,” said the Prophet (peace be upon him), “is to ask permission first and not try to look inside.”