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
قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا۟ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا۟ فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ
Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allāh is [fully] Aware of what they do.
۞ وَأَقْسَمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ جَهْدَ أَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ لَئِنْ أَمَرْتَهُمْ لَيَخْرُجُنَّ ۖ قُل لَّا تُقْسِمُوا۟ ۖ طَاعَةٌ مَّعْرُوفَةٌ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
And they swear by Allāh their strongest oaths that if you ordered them, they would go forth [in Allāh's cause]. Say, "Do not swear. [Such] obedience is known. Indeed, Allāh is [fully] Aware of that which you do."
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
وَٱلْقَوَٰعِدُ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ٱلَّـٰتِى لَا يَرْجُونَ نِكَاحًا فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْهِنَّ جُنَاحٌ أَن يَضَعْنَ ثِيَابَهُنَّ غَيْرَ مُتَبَرِّجَـٰتٍۭ بِزِينَةٍ ۖ وَأَن يَسْتَعْفِفْنَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
And women of post-menstrual age who have no desire for marriage - there is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments [but] not displaying adornment. But to modestly refrain [from that] is better for them. And Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.