What is the correct method for knocking three times?
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The Shaykh : There is no specific method for knocking three times other than the act itself; rather, it depends on the layout of the house according to the custom of the person knocking. For example, it differs whether the residents are in an inner room within the house or directly behind the door. Do you understand?
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes. If the person entering should not knock continuously, but rather once, then once, then once.
The questioner : A doorbell.
The Shaykh : I mean, no. There should be an interval between the first and second knock, and likewise between the second and third. However, if the residents of the house have only one room, for instance, they are supposed to hear as soon as the door is knocked, so the knocker does not need to wait with that delay.
In short, there is no specific system for these three knocks; rather, it depends on the situation of the house or home whose door is being knocked on.
The questioner : And is the greeting after hearing a sound or before hearing a sound? One knocks on the door and says "Peace be upon you" after hearing that someone is coming, or until the person inside hears it?
The Shaykh : Both are permissible. This also varies: if one knocks and waits and there is no response, then he raises his voice with the greeting. And if he knocks and there is a response, he also offers the greeting. In this same matter, the situation of the house whose door is being knocked on is taken into consideration.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes. If the person entering should not knock continuously, but rather once, then once, then once.
The questioner : A doorbell.
The Shaykh : I mean, no. There should be an interval between the first and second knock, and likewise between the second and third. However, if the residents of the house have only one room, for instance, they are supposed to hear as soon as the door is knocked, so the knocker does not need to wait with that delay.
In short, there is no specific system for these three knocks; rather, it depends on the situation of the house or home whose door is being knocked on.
The questioner : And is the greeting after hearing a sound or before hearing a sound? One knocks on the door and says "Peace be upon you" after hearing that someone is coming, or until the person inside hears it?
The Shaykh : Both are permissible. This also varies: if one knocks and waits and there is no response, then he raises his voice with the greeting. And if he knocks and there is a response, he also offers the greeting. In this same matter, the situation of the house whose door is being knocked on is taken into consideration.