لَّيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَدْخُلُوا۟ بُيُوتًا غَيْرَ مَسْكُونَةٍ فِيهَا مَتَـٰعٌ لَّكُمْ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُبْدُونَ وَمَا تَكْتُمُونَ 29
Translations
There is no blame upon you for entering houses not inhabited in which there is convenience for you. And Allāh knows what you reveal and what you conceal.
Transliteration
Laysa alaikum junahun an tadkhulu buyutan ghayra maskunatin fiha mata'un lakum wa-Allah ya'lamu ma tubdun wa ma taktumuun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah permits Muslims to enter uninhabited houses or buildings that contain provisions or supplies needed for a journey, as there is no sin (junah) in doing so. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain this applies specifically to empty properties containing goods for travelers' sustenance. The concluding clause reminds that Allah knows both what is openly displayed and what is concealed in hearts, emphasizing the importance of pure intention even when permissible actions are taken.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nur (revealed in Madinah) which addresses various matters of modesty, family law, and social conduct. The ayah contextually follows verses about entering homes with permission (24:27-28) and provides a specific exception for uninhabited houses. This addresses practical circumstances faced by travelers in Arabian society who might need shelter or supplies.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim reports that the Prophet ﷺ said regarding entering others' property: 'Whoever enters a house without the owner's permission, he is not permitted to do so.' This hadith establishes the general rule that makes this ayah's exception particularly significant. Additionally, the principle of 'dharura' (necessity) referenced in Islamic jurisprudence relates to this permission.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that while Islam establishes strong protections for private property and privacy, legitimate human needs (especially for travelers) are recognized within the shariah framework. More profoundly, it reminds believers that Allah's knowledge encompasses both visible actions and hidden intentions, encouraging us to maintain sincere and pure hearts in all circumstances, whether our actions are witnessed or unseen.
Related Ayahs
قُلْ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ ۖ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْهِ مَا حُمِّلَ وَعَلَيْكُم مَّا حُمِّلْتُمْ ۖ وَإِن تُطِيعُوهُ تَهْتَدُوا۟ ۚ وَمَا عَلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ إِلَّا ٱلْبَلَـٰغُ ٱلْمُبِينُ
Say, "Obey Allāh and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon him is only that [duty] with which he has been charged, and upon you is that with which you have been charged. And if you obey him, you will be [rightly] guided. And there is not upon the Messenger except the [responsibility for] clear notification."
فِى بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ ٱللَّهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا ٱسْمُهُۥ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُۥ فِيهَا بِٱلْغُدُوِّ وَٱلْـَٔاصَالِ
[Such niches are] in houses [i.e., mosques] which Allāh has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned [i.e., praised] therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the evenings
فَإِن لَّمْ تَجِدُوا۟ فِيهَآ أَحَدًا فَلَا تَدْخُلُوهَا حَتَّىٰ يُؤْذَنَ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِن قِيلَ لَكُمُ ٱرْجِعُوا۟ فَٱرْجِعُوا۟ ۖ هُوَ أَزْكَىٰ لَكُمْ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ
And if you do not find anyone therein, do not enter them until permission has been given you. And if it is said to you, "Go back," then go back; it is purer for you. And Allāh is Knowing of what you do.
لَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مُعْجِزِينَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَمَأْوَىٰهُمُ ٱلنَّارُ ۖ وَلَبِئْسَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
Never think that the disbelievers are causing failure [to Allāh] upon the earth. Their refuge will be the Fire - and how wretched the destination.