Surah al-Dhāriyāt

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

[Surah al-Dhāriyāt (51): verse 24]
“Has the story of Abraham’s honored guests reached you?” (24)

This passage praises Abraham in several respects.

First: His guests are described as honored. According to one of the two interpretations, this refers to the honor [not?] Abraham showed them. The second interpretation is that they are honored by Allah. There is no contradiction between the two interpretations: the verse conveys both meanings.

[Surah al-Dhāriyāt (51): verse 25]
“When they entered his presence and said, ‘Peace,’ he replied, ‘Peace. You are unfamiliar people.’” (25)

Second: Allah’s words, “When they entered his presence,” make no mention of their asking permission. This indicates that Abraham (peace and blessings be upon him) was known for honoring guests and regularly providing them with hospitality. His home had thus become a guesthouse, frequented by those who came to him without needing to ask permission. Rather, their very entry served as their request for permission. This is the utmost generosity.

Third: His reply, “Peace,” is in the nominative, whereas their greeting to him is in the accusative. The greeting of peace