Surah Adh-Dhariyat: (24) Has there come to you the news...

Issue 1:

If the purpose is what has been mentioned—consolation and warning—then what is the benefit in recounting the story of the hospitality?

We say: It is so that this may be an indication of relief for the Prophets, and tribulation for the ignorant and foolish, when it comes to them from an unexpected direction. Allah Almighty said: {Then Allah came upon them from where they did not expect} (Al-Hashr: 2). Thus, Abraham (peace be upon him) had no prior knowledge of the descent of the punishment, despite his high status.

Issue 2:

How were they called "guests" when they were not?

We say: Since Abraham (peace be upon him) presumed them to be guests, Allah did not contradict his assumption out of respect for him. It is said among the words of the truthful scholars: The truthful one says what is, but the sincere one says what will be.

Issue 3:

"Guest" (ضيف) is a singular word, yet the honored ones (المكرمين) are plural. How is the singular used to describe the plural?

We say: The word ضيف can refer to a group of people; it is said, "a people of guests" (قوم ضيف). Furthermore, because it is a verbal noun (masdar), it is like the word الرزق (sustenance), which is a verbal noun.

As for describing them as honored (المكرمين), it is either because they are honored servants, as Allah Almighty said: {Rather, they are honored servants} (Al-Anbiya: 26), or because of the honor Abraham (peace be upon him) bestowed upon them.

If it is asked: With what did he honor them? We reply:

1. Firstly, with a cheerful countenance.
2. Secondly, by seating them in the best and most pleasant places.
3. Thirdly, by hastening the provision of food.

After the command for the guests to eat and sit, they were a number of angels: according to one opinion, three (Gabriel, Michael, and a third); according to another opinion, ten; and according to another, twelve.

Issue 4:

They were sent for punishment, evidenced by their statement: {Indeed, We have been sent to a criminal people} (Adh-Dhariyat: 32). Yet, they were not from Abraham's people; they were from Lot's people. So, what is the wisdom in their coming to Abraham (peace be upon him)?

We say: There is profound wisdom in this, which can be explained in two ways:

1. Abraham (peace be upon him) was the elder of the Messengers, and Lot was from his people. It is a sign of respect from the King (Allah) to one under his protection and obedience that if he sends a messenger to another, he instructs him to pass by a certain king, inform him of the message, and seek his counsel.
2. Since Allah Almighty intended to destroy a great many people, which would have saddened Abraham (peace be upon him) due to his compassion for His servants, He commanded them to give him the good news of a son who would emerge from his loins, numbering many times those who would be destroyed, and from whose loins the Prophets (peace be upon them) would emerge.

Then Allah Almighty said: