وَلَقَدْ جَآءَتْ رُسُلُنَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ بِٱلْبُشْرَىٰ قَالُوا۟ سَلَـٰمًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَـٰمٌ ۖ فَمَا لَبِثَ أَن جَآءَ بِعِجْلٍ حَنِيذٍ 69
Translations
And certainly did Our messengers [i.e., angels] come to Abraham with good tidings; they said, "Peace." He said, "Peace," and did not delay in bringing [them] a roasted calf.
Transliteration
Wa laqad jā'at rusulunā Ibrāhīma bil-bushrā qālū salāman qāla salāmun fa-mā labitha an jā'a bi-'ijlin hanīdh
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the arrival of the angels (Allah's messengers) to Prophet Ibrahim with glad tidings of the birth of Isaac. Ibrahim greeted them with 'peace be upon you,' and they reciprocated. He then hastened to prepare a roasted calf for them as an act of hospitality, demonstrating his generosity and respect for guests. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the 'hanīdh' (roasted calf) was cooked in the fire until it was tender and perfectly prepared, reflecting Ibrahim's eagerness to honor his visitors.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Hud's narrative about Prophet Ibrahim's encounter with the angels who came to deliver the good news of his son Isaac (Ishaq) and to inform him of Allah's judgment upon the people of Lot. The surah is Meccan, focusing on themes of prophethood, patience, and divine mercy. This scene exemplifies Ibrahim's character as a righteous and hospitable servant of Allah.
Related Hadiths
Sunan Ibn Majah reports that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best food is that which is offered with the most generous heart.' This principle aligns with Ibrahim's immediate and wholehearted preparation of food for his guests. Additionally, traditions emphasize that hospitality is a commendable Islamic virtue exemplified by Ibrahim.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to demonstrate warmth, generosity, and respect toward guests, following the noble example of Prophet Ibrahim. It reminds us that true faith manifests through practical virtues—Ibrahim did not merely greet the angels verbally but immediately acted with generous hospitality, showing that sincerity in faith requires corresponding action.
Related Ayahs
مِن دُونِهِۦ ۖ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ
Other than Him. So plot against me all together; then do not give me respite.
وَيَـٰقَوْمِ هَـٰذِهِۦ نَاقَةُ ٱللَّهِ لَكُمْ ءَايَةً فَذَرُوهَا تَأْكُلْ فِىٓ أَرْضِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تَمَسُّوهَا بِسُوٓءٍ فَيَأْخُذَكُمْ عَذَابٌ قَرِيبٌ
And O my people, this is the she-camel of Allāh - [she is] to you a sign. So let her feed upon Allāh's earth and do not touch her with harm, or you will be taken by an impending punishment."
قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّى وَءَاتَىٰنِى رَحْمَةً مِّنْ عِندِهِۦ فَعُمِّيَتْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَنُلْزِمُكُمُوهَا وَأَنتُمْ لَهَا كَـٰرِهُونَ
He said, "O my people, have you considered: if I should be upon clear evidence from my Lord while He has given me mercy from Himself but it has been made unapparent to you, should we force it upon you while you are averse to it?
إِلَّا مَن رَّحِمَ رَبُّكَ ۚ وَلِذَٰلِكَ خَلَقَهُمْ ۗ وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَةُ رَبِّكَ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنَ ٱلْجِنَّةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ
Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them. But the word of your Lord is to be fulfilled that, "I will surely fill Hell with jinn and men all together."