Once a Sahaabi (radhiallhu anh) invited Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) for meals. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) replied, "Is Aishah also invited with me?" Because the era was one of simplicity the Sahaabi (radhiallahu anh) replied, "O Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) I only wish to invite you." Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) too was quite forthright in his answer, "If Aishah is not invited then I too will not attend."
Some time later, the same Sahaabi (radhiallahu anh) again came and the same dialogue took place.
On a third occasion, the Sahaabi (radhiallahu anh) again came and requested, "O Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, it is my heartfelt desire that you accept my invitation for meals." Again Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) asked, "Is Aishah also invited with me?"
This time, the Sahaabi (radhiallahu anh) replied, "O yes Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, Aishah is also invited." Upon this Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam replied, "Now, I accept your invitation."
(Muslim, quoted in Islaahi Lectures, Vol.1 Pg 165)
[Sahaabeeyaat, M Aslam Patel, Pg 63]
