إِذْ دَخَلُوا۟ عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا۟ سَلَـٰمًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَـٰمٌ قَوْمٌ مُّنكَرُونَ 25
Translations
When they entered upon him and said, "[We greet you with] peace." He answered, "[And upon you] peace; [you are] a people unknown."
Transliteration
Idh dakhalū ʿalayhi faqālū salāman, qāla salāmun qawmun munkfarūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts the moment when the angels arrived at the home of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), greeting him with 'Assalamu alaikum' (peace be upon you), to which he responded with the same greeting while expressing his unfamiliarity with them. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, Ibrahim's statement 'qawmun munkarun' (people I do not recognize) reflects his initial uncertainty about the identity of these visitors, though he received them with hospitality. This exchange demonstrates the prophetic courtesy and the angels' test of Ibrahim's character through their arrival.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative recounting one of the most significant moments in Islamic history: the announcement of Isaac's birth to Prophet Ibrahim and Sarah, and the divine command to sacrifice Ismail. The broader context in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51) discusses various signs of Allah's power and mercy, with Ibrahim's story exemplifying faith and obedience.
Related Hadiths
The story of Ibrahim and the angels is referenced in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 3371) where the Prophet Muhammad describes the visitation and its significance. Additionally, the Quran itself provides the most detailed account of this incident across multiple surahs (11:69-72, 15:51-56).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to receive strangers and guests with courtesy and honor, reflecting Ibrahim's exemplary conduct, while reminding us that Allah tests the faithful through various circumstances to strengthen their character and devotion.