If you need to call someone and you find out that they are busy or you are trying to call at a time that people normally eat or sleep, then do not persist in calling them unless there is a dire need to do so.
The person who visits your home is like the person who is calling you on your phone, so the caller must seek permission before starting the conversation and making sure that the time is appropriate;
“And if it is said to you, "Go back," then go back; it is purer for you.” [Noor 24:28]
So you must make sure that the time is appropriate, you make sure you observe the time for when people usually eat and sleep and the time they have with their families.
Look how the Shariah commands us, even the child, to seek permission before we enter. Children are free to enter at any time but if they want to enter at three specific times during the day; before Salaat al-Fajr, at the time of Dhuhr and after Salaat al’Ishaa, they must seek permission. As for the adult, he must always seek permission throughout all the hours of the day.
“O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] at three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you - some of you, among others. Thus does Allaah make clear to you the verses; and Allaah is Knowing and Wise. And when the children among you reach puberty, let them ask permission [at all times] as those before them have done. Thus does Allaah make clear to you His verses; and Allaah is Knowing and Wise.”
[Noor 24: 58-59]
Added to this, The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] prohibited the person returning from a journey to return to his house unexpectedly, without informing them that he is about to return home. The wisdom behind this is that the person returning may return to his house and find it in an unclean state or he may see something from their appearance that disheartens him.
In conclusion, the caller must take the utmost care in making sure he is being appropriate and if the person you are trying to reach asks to be excused, we should wholeheartedly accept it. If you are told to wait then wait, as you are the one who is seeking not the one being sought.
However, for places that are constantly open and available to receive telephone calls, such as hotel receptions or call centres, then this has an exception to the rule and they have a separate ruling. This exception can be derived from the Ayah of seeking permission;
"There is no blame upon you for entering houses not inhabited in which there is convenience for you. And Allaah knows what you reveal and what you conceal."
[Noor 24:29]
The houses that are being referred to in this Ayah are houses that are left open for people to dwell in, such as those who have a need or a rest house for travellers. All in all, these types of houses in this Ayah isn’t specified for any particular person or group, so once your need is fulfilled you move on, similar to what we have today in hotels.
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