Tafsir of An-Nur 24:28

{فَإِن لَّمْ تَجِدُوا فِيهَا أَحَدًا فَلَا تَدْخُلُوهَا حَتَّىٰ يُؤْذَنَ لَكُمْ}

It is possible that "if you do not find anyone in them" refers to those who grant permission; therefore, do not enter until you find someone who grants it to you.

It is also possible that it means: if you do not find any of the inhabitants in them, and you have a need there, do not enter except with the permission of the owners.

Permission was not legislated solely to prevent a person from seeing private matters or to prevent their eyes from falling upon what is unlawful to look at. Rather, it was legislated so that one does not intrude upon the private states that people habitually conceal from others and guard against being seen. Furthermore, entering is an act of disposal over someone else’s property, which must be done with their consent; otherwise, it resembles usurpation and coercion.

{فَارْجِعُوا} Meaning: Do not persist in seeking permission, do not be insistent in requesting the removal of the veil, and do not stand at the doors waiting. This behavior breeds resentment and creates ill-will in people's hearts, especially among those of noble character and refined manners. Since this is forbidden because it leads to resentment, it is mandatory to refrain from everything that leads to it, such as knocking on the door violently, shouting for the owner of the house, and other habits common among the unrefined.

Abu Ubayd said: "I have never knocked on the door of a scholar." The story of the Banu Asad is a sufficient deterrent, regarding which it was revealed: {Indeed, those who call you from behind the chambers—most of them do not use reason} (Al-Hujurat: 4).

If you ask: Is it correct that the meaning is: "If you are not granted permission and are ordered to return, then comply and do not enter while they are averse to it?" I say: Once the prohibition of entering without permission—whether the inhabitants are present or absent—is established, there remains no doubt that it is forbidden, especially when the command to return is added to the lack of permission.

If you ask: What if an emergency occurs in a house, such as a fire, an attack by a thief, or the appearance of a vice that must be stopped? I say: That is excluded by evidence.

{هُوَ أَزْكَىٰ لَكُمْ} Meaning: Returning is purer for you, as it preserves hearts and keeps one away from suspicion, or it is more beneficial and productive of good.

Then, He threatens those addressed by stating that He knows what they do and what they leave undone regarding what they have been commanded, and He will fully recompense them for it.

{لَّيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَدْخُلُوا بُيُوتًا غَيْرَ مَسْكُونَةٍ فِيهَا مَتَاعٌ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُبْدُونَ وَمَا تَكْتُمُونَ}