guest—for he said: “Unknown people.” ⦗Adh-Dhāriyāt 25⦘ In other words, “I do not recognize you; I would like you to introduce yourselves.” This is more courteous than saying, “I find you strange,” or words to that effect.

• Another lesson: One’s family and whoever manages the affairs of the household should be resolute and ready to meet every need and carry out every domestic task. Abraham, upon him be peace, went straight to his family and found the food for his guests already prepared; all that remained was to set it before them.

• Another lesson: The coming of a child and the glad tidings of him through Sarah—an elderly, barren woman—constituted a miracle for Abraham and a mark of honor for Sarah: a prophet’s miracle joined to a saint’s distinction. A parallel is found in the angels’ announcement to Mary of Jesus, and their announcement to Zechariah and his wife of John—together with Allah’s making Zechariah’s sign of the promised child that he would not speak to people for three days, though sound in body, save by gesture. All such events are among Allah’s signs. Yet even more wondrous is His bringing Adam into existence from dust. Glory be to the One who has power over all things!

• Another lesson: Allah praised Abraham for coming to his Lord with a sound heart, as He said:
“[It will be] the Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit anyone, except one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” ⦗Ash-Shuʿarāʾ 88–89⦘
The comprehensive meaning of a “sound heart” is that it is:
• Free of every evil and of the causes that lead to evil, and filled instead with goodness, righteousness, and generosity.
• Free of doubts that undermine knowledge and certainty, and of desires that bar the servant from perfection.
• Free of arrogance, ostentation, discord, hypocrisy, and vile character traits.
• Free of malice and rancor, filled with monotheism and faith, humble toward truth and toward people, sincerely wishing well for the Muslims, eager for Allah’s worship, and keen to benefit His servants.