Surah Al-Hijr — Verse 51

Word Meanings:

• Nabbi'hum (نَبِّئْهُمْ): Inform them, tell them the news.
• Dayf (ضَيْف): Guest(s). In Arabic, this word can refer to both singular and plural, male and female. Here, it refers to the angels who visited Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
• Ibrahim (إِبْرَاهِيمَ): Prophet Abraham, the beloved friend of Allah (Khalilullah), peace be upon him.

Tafsir (Explanation):

After commanding His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to inform the servants that He is the All-Forgiving and Most Merciful to those who repent and believe, and that His punishment is painful for those who persist in disbelief, Allah now instructs him to also tell them the story of the honored guests of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

These guests were angels sent by Allah. They came to Ibrahim in human form to deliver two glad tidings: first, the news of a righteous son (Ishaq) who would be born to him and his wife Sarah despite their old age, and second, the news of the impending destruction of the people of Lut (Lot) — a wicked nation that had transgressed all bounds. This story serves as a powerful reminder of Allah's mercy to His righteous servants and His severe justice against those who persist in sin and corruption.

Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, ponder deeply upon this verse. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, chose to mention the guests of Ibrahim in the Qur'an — not merely as a historical anecdote, but as a living lesson for all of humanity until the end of time. Just as the angels brought mercy and glad tidings to the patient and obedient servant Ibrahim, so too does Allah send His mercy upon those who turn to Him with sincerity. And just as the same angels carried the decree of punishment for the corrupt people of Lut, so too does Allah's justice inevitably reach those who reject His guidance and persist in wrongdoing.

This verse invites you to reflect: which path do you choose? The path of Ibrahim — faith, patience, and submission — which earns the pleasure of Allah and His angels? Or the path of those who earned His wrath? The door of repentance is always open, and Allah's mercy is vast. Do not delay your return to Him, for His mercy is greater than your sins, and His love for His repentant servants is beyond measure. Let the story of Ibrahim's honored guests inspire you to be among those whom the angels visit with mercy and blessings, both in this life and in the Hereafter.