يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَدْخُلُوا۟ بُيُوتًا غَيْرَ بُيُوتِكُمْ حَتَّىٰ تَسْتَأْنِسُوا۟ وَتُسَلِّمُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَهْلِهَا ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ 27
Translations
O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded [i.e., advised].
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu la tadkhulu buyutan ghayra buyutikum hatta tastanisu wa tusallimuu ala ahlihā dhālikum khayrun lakum laʿallakum tadhakkarun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands believers not to enter houses other than their own without seeking permission and greeting the inhabitants. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the word 'istianās' (استئناس) means to announce one's presence and seek acknowledgment before entering, establishing the principle of privacy and respect for others' homes. Al-Tabari emphasizes that this ruling protects family honor and dignity, with Allah assuring believers that adhering to this etiquette is for their own benefit and a means of mindfulness.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nur (The Light), a Medinan surah that addresses community conduct and personal conduct laws. It was revealed in response to the need for establishing social etiquette and boundaries within the Muslim community, particularly concerning privacy and respect for family life during the Prophet's time in Medina.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Permission is required three times; if you are not given permission, then go back.' This hadith reinforces the requirement of seeking permission before entering. Additionally, a hadith in Sunan Abu Dawud relates that the Prophet instructed believers to seek permission before entering homes, linking the practice to good Islamic etiquette.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that respecting others' privacy and personal spaces is a fundamental Islamic value that strengthens social trust and family honor. In modern contexts, it extends to respecting boundaries in all interactions—whether physical, digital, or interpersonal—reminding believers that consideration for others' dignity reflects one's faith and character.