فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰٓ أَهْلِهِۦ فَجَآءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ 26
Translations
Then he went to his family and came with a fat [roasted] calf.
Transliteration
Farāgha ilā ahlihī fajāʾa biʿijlin samīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Ibrahim hastened to his family when he perceived the divine guests, and brought them a fattened calf to serve as a meal. This demonstrates Ibrahim's generous hospitality and his eagerness to honor his guests, which was a cardinal virtue in Arabian culture. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this act reflects Ibrahim's character of kindness and his immediate response to serve those who visited him, exemplifying the Islamic virtue of diyāfah (generous hospitality to guests).
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Ibrahim's encounter with the angels (disguised as travelers) in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:24-32). The context portrays Ibrahim's household and his exemplary conduct when receiving unexpected guests. The surah was revealed in Mecca and addresses themes of divine signs and the fate of those who reject Allah's messengers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest.' (Sahih Bukhari 5186). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized kindness to guests and visitors, reflecting the sunnah modeled by Ibrahim in this passage.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that genuine hospitality is not merely offering what is minimal, but giving generously and with warmth from one's heart. For modern believers, it emphasizes that honoring guests—whether family, friends, or strangers—is a spiritual practice that reflects one's faith and character, embodying the Prophetic tradition of generous service to others.