What are the situations, both inside and outside the home, where permission must be sought, such as entering the kitchen, the living room, or the house in general, and is it permissible to say "praise be to so-and-so"?

The Almighty says: ﴿O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ask permission and greet their people. That is better for you that you may be reminded.﴾ (Quran 24:27). This teaches us not to enter houses that are not our own without permission, because the absence of seeking permission leads to several corruptions. Among these corruptions are that the eye may fall upon private parts, and the entrant may be accused of evil. Seeking permission is called isti'nas (seeking familiarity) because it achieves familiarity and removes apprehension.

The situations in which permission must be sought are detailed as follows:

1. It is not obligatory to seek permission to enter a person's house if it is empty or if only his wife is in it (though it is recommended to give notice). However, if there is one of his mahram relatives whom he is not permitted to see unclothed, then it is not permissible for him to enter without permission. 2. If one wishes to enter a house that is not his own, seeking permission is obligatory by consensus, whether the door is open or closed. Exceptions to this include uninhabited houses that offer benefits to people (based on general permission), and also if failing to seek permission would lead to saving a life or property. 3. It is not permissible to dispose of another's property or right except with the permission of the Law-giver (Allah) or the owner of the right. 4. A subordinate seeking permission from his superior is subject to custom; if it is customary, it becomes obligatory. 5. A guest should seek permission before leaving the host's house. 6. If one wishes to sit between two men, he must ask their permission. 7. If one wishes to look at a book belonging to another, he must ask permission.

Permission is waived in certain cases:

1. Impossibility of obtaining permission: Such as the death of the person whose permission is needed, or his travel, or imprisonment, and the impossibility of delaying the action. 2. Averting harm: If seeking permission would cause harm, such as selling trusts that are feared to perish, or entering a house to prevent a crime from occurring. 3. Obtaining a right that cannot be obtained by seeking permission: Such as a woman taking money from her husband's wealth for maintenance if he withholds it from her.

As for the saying: "Hamdan [praise be to] so-and-so," meaning praising him for a good deed he did or a good quality he possesses, it is permissible. And it is said: "I praised so-and-so, I praise him," if you commend him for his characteristics. The absolute praise that is not permissible to direct to other than Allah is the unqualified praise.