The first interpretation is that Abraham himself honored them; therein lies praise for him (1) on account of his hospitality to guests.

The second is that they are honored in the sight of Allah, as in His words, “Nay, they are but honored servants” (26) (2). This, too, exalts and commends His intimate friend, for Allah made His honored angels the guests of Abraham.

Under either reading, the verse contains praise for Abraham.

Allah’s words, “They said, ‘Peace,’ he replied, ‘Peace’,” embody yet another commendation (3) of Abraham: he returned their greeting with one superior to the one they had offered. Their salutation employs the word salām in the accusative, which implies an underlying verbal clause—“We greet you with peace.” Abraham’s reply uses salām in the nominative, conveying an underlying nominal clause—“Peace, constant and abiding, be upon you.” There is no doubt that a nominal clause denotes permanence and stability, whereas a verbal clause suggests renewal and occurrence; thus Abraham’s greeting was more complete and more excellent (4).

Then he added, “A people unknown” (25). In this choice of words toward his guests and his tactful self-exculpation (5) lie two aspects of praise: