سُوْرَةُ هُوْدٍ
Surah Hud (11) — Ayah 78
وَجَآءَهُۥ قَوْمُهُۥ يُهْرَعُونَ إِلَيْهِ وَمِن قَبْلُ كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ بَنَاتِى هُنَّ أَطْهَرُ لَكُمْ ۖ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُخْزُونِ فِى ضَيْفِىٓ ۖ أَلَيْسَ مِنكُمْ رَجُلٌ رَّشِيدٌ ﴿78﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And his people came rushing towards him, and since aforetime they used to commit crimes (sodomy), he said: "O my people! Here are my daughters (i.e. the women of the nation), they are purer for you (if you marry them lawfully). So fear Allâh and degrace me not with regard to my guests! Is there not among you a single right-minded man?"
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَجَآءَهُۥ
wajāahu
And came (to) him
قَوْمُهُۥ
qawmuhu
his people
يُهْرَعُونَ
yuh'raʿūna
rushing
إِلَيْهِ
ilayhi
to him
وَمِن
wamin
and before
قَبْلُ
qablu
and before
كَانُوا۟
kānū
they (had) been
يَعْمَلُونَ
yaʿmalūna
doing
ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ۚ
l-sayiāti
the evil deeds
قَالَ
qāla
He said
يَـٰقَوْمِ
yāqawmi
O my people
هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ
hāulāi
These
بَنَاتِى
banātī
(are) my daughters
هُنَّ
hunna
they
أَطْهَرُ
aṭharu
(are) purer
لَكُمْ ۖ
lakum
for you
فَٱتَّقُوا۟
fa-ittaqū
So fear
ٱللَّهَ
l-laha
Allah
وَلَا
walā
and (do) not
تُخْزُونِ
tukh'zūni
disgrace me
فِى
fī
concerning
ضَيْفِىٓ ۖ
ḍayfī
my guests
أَلَيْسَ
alaysa
Is (there) not
مِنكُمْ
minkum
among you
رَجُلٌۭ
rajulun
a man
رَّشِيدٌۭ
rashīdun
right-minded
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 78) ➊ The meaning of {وَ جَآءَهٗ قَوْمُهٗ يُهْرَعُوْنَ اِلَيْهِ : ’’هَرَعَ‘‘} (ف) is to push someone quickly. The meaning of the passive verb is that when this wicked nation heard the news of such handsome guests coming to the house of Lut (peace be upon him), they rushed towards them so uncontrollably as if someone was pushing them from behind.
➋ When {وَ مِنْ قَبْلُ كَانُوْا يَعْمَلُوْنَ السَّيِّاٰتِ :} comes on a present tense verb {’’ كَانَ ‘‘}, it gives the meaning of continuity and permanence, unless there is evidence to the contrary. That is why Zamakhshari has interpreted it as: {’’ وَ مِنْ قَبْلِ ذٰلِكَ الْوَقْتِ كَانُوْا يَعْمَلُوْنَ الْفَوَاحِشَ وَيُكْثِرُوْنَهَا فَضَرَوْا بِهَا وَمَرَنُوْا عَلَيْهَا ‘‘} “Before this, they used to commit these evil deeds frequently, until it became their habit.” That is, a person hesitates at first to commit such a filthy act, but these people came uncontrollably and quickly because the frequent commission of this evil deed had completely removed their modesty and hesitation.
➌ When { قَالَ يٰقَوْمِ هٰۤؤُلَآءِ بَنَاتِيْ …:} they barged in and began to insistently demand that the guests be handed over to them, Lut (peace be upon him) went to the utmost in humility to protect the honor of his guests, saying, “These are my daughters; they are much purer for you. Fear Allah! Do not disgrace me regarding my guests. Is there not a single good man among you?” Here, the commentators have given various explanations for offering the daughters. In Ashraf al-Hawashi, it is stated that by {’’ بَنَاتِيْ ‘‘} (daughters) is meant the women of those people themselves, because a prophet is like a father to his nation, and all the women of the nation are the daughters of the prophet, as it is said regarding the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): «{ اَلنَّبِيُّ اَوْلٰى بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مِنْ اَنْفُسِهِمْ وَ اَزْوَاجُهٗۤ اُمَّهٰتُهُمْ }» [ الأحزاب : ۶ ] “The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers.” This is the preferred interpretation, although some have taken it to mean the actual daughters of Lut (peace be upon him), that they should marry them. (As in al-Mawdih) The reason for this interpretation being preferred is that, according to the well-known opinion, Lut (peace be upon him) had only two daughters; even if there were more or less, it would not be possible for the whole nation to marry them, so by daughters is meant the daughters of the nation, i.e., their wives. Another opinion is that it meant his own daughters, but neither was it intended to hand them over nor to marry them to those people, rather it was only to embarrass them and protect the honor of his guests, because both he and the nation knew that no one hands over his own daughters to anyone. This was only to express his humility and to embarrass them, just as Sulayman (peace be upon him) had decided that the child should be cut in two and each claimant woman given a part, although he never intended that the child actually be cut, but wanted to extract the truth. The apparent words of the verse suggest this meaning.
➍ The meaning of {’’ هُنَّ اَطْهَرُ لَكُمْ ‘‘} is not that this act with men has some purity, but women are purer; rather, here it means “very pure.”
➋ When {وَ مِنْ قَبْلُ كَانُوْا يَعْمَلُوْنَ السَّيِّاٰتِ :} comes on a present tense verb {’’ كَانَ ‘‘}, it gives the meaning of continuity and permanence, unless there is evidence to the contrary. That is why Zamakhshari has interpreted it as: {’’ وَ مِنْ قَبْلِ ذٰلِكَ الْوَقْتِ كَانُوْا يَعْمَلُوْنَ الْفَوَاحِشَ وَيُكْثِرُوْنَهَا فَضَرَوْا بِهَا وَمَرَنُوْا عَلَيْهَا ‘‘} “Before this, they used to commit these evil deeds frequently, until it became their habit.” That is, a person hesitates at first to commit such a filthy act, but these people came uncontrollably and quickly because the frequent commission of this evil deed had completely removed their modesty and hesitation.
➌ When { قَالَ يٰقَوْمِ هٰۤؤُلَآءِ بَنَاتِيْ …:} they barged in and began to insistently demand that the guests be handed over to them, Lut (peace be upon him) went to the utmost in humility to protect the honor of his guests, saying, “These are my daughters; they are much purer for you. Fear Allah! Do not disgrace me regarding my guests. Is there not a single good man among you?” Here, the commentators have given various explanations for offering the daughters. In Ashraf al-Hawashi, it is stated that by {’’ بَنَاتِيْ ‘‘} (daughters) is meant the women of those people themselves, because a prophet is like a father to his nation, and all the women of the nation are the daughters of the prophet, as it is said regarding the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): «{ اَلنَّبِيُّ اَوْلٰى بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مِنْ اَنْفُسِهِمْ وَ اَزْوَاجُهٗۤ اُمَّهٰتُهُمْ }» [ الأحزاب : ۶ ] “The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers.” This is the preferred interpretation, although some have taken it to mean the actual daughters of Lut (peace be upon him), that they should marry them. (As in al-Mawdih) The reason for this interpretation being preferred is that, according to the well-known opinion, Lut (peace be upon him) had only two daughters; even if there were more or less, it would not be possible for the whole nation to marry them, so by daughters is meant the daughters of the nation, i.e., their wives. Another opinion is that it meant his own daughters, but neither was it intended to hand them over nor to marry them to those people, rather it was only to embarrass them and protect the honor of his guests, because both he and the nation knew that no one hands over his own daughters to anyone. This was only to express his humility and to embarrass them, just as Sulayman (peace be upon him) had decided that the child should be cut in two and each claimant woman given a part, although he never intended that the child actually be cut, but wanted to extract the truth. The apparent words of the verse suggest this meaning.
➍ The meaning of {’’ هُنَّ اَطْهَرُ لَكُمْ ‘‘} is not that this act with men has some purity, but women are purer; rather, here it means “very pure.”
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
78. 1 When those afflicted with the disease of sodomy found out that a few handsome young men had come to the house of Lut (عليه السلام), they came running and insisted on taking them with them, so that they could fulfill their wrongful desires with them.
78. 2 That is, if your intention is only to satisfy your sexual desire, then my own daughters are available for this purpose, whom you may marry and fulfill your objective. This is better for you in every way. Some have said that by "daughters" is meant the general women, and he called them his daughters because a prophet is, in a way, a father to his community. The meaning is that women are available for this purpose, so marry them and fulfill your objective (Ibn Kathir).
78. 3 That is, do not disgrace me by committing excess and force with my guests who have come to my house. Is there not a single sensible man among you who can understand the requirements and delicacy of hospitality, and can restrain you from your evil intentions? Prophet Lut (عليه السلام) said all these things on the basis that he actually considered these angels to be newly arrived travelers and guests. Therefore, he rightly considered opposing them necessary for his own honor and dignity. If he had known or if he had been aware of the unseen, then obviously he would not have faced this distress at all, which he did, and whose depiction the Quran has presented here.
78. 2 That is, if your intention is only to satisfy your sexual desire, then my own daughters are available for this purpose, whom you may marry and fulfill your objective. This is better for you in every way. Some have said that by "daughters" is meant the general women, and he called them his daughters because a prophet is, in a way, a father to his community. The meaning is that women are available for this purpose, so marry them and fulfill your objective (Ibn Kathir).
78. 3 That is, do not disgrace me by committing excess and force with my guests who have come to my house. Is there not a single sensible man among you who can understand the requirements and delicacy of hospitality, and can restrain you from your evil intentions? Prophet Lut (عليه السلام) said all these things on the basis that he actually considered these angels to be newly arrived travelers and guests. Therefore, he rightly considered opposing them necessary for his own honor and dignity. If he had known or if he had been aware of the unseen, then obviously he would not have faced this distress at all, which he did, and whose depiction the Quran has presented here.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
And his people came rushing towards him, and they were already accustomed to committing evil deeds. Lot said, "O my people! These are my daughters [88]; they are purer for you. So fear Allah and do not disgrace me concerning my guests. Is there not a single right-minded man among you?"
[88]
The Thugs Forcing Their Way In and the Offer of Sayyiduna Lut (علیہ السلام):
As soon as the arrival of these guests was known, some thugs climbed over the walls of the house and reached there, demanding from Sayyiduna Lut (علیہ السلام) that he hand over the guests to them. This was the very moment that was a source of great distress for Sayyiduna Lut (علیہ السلام). Thus, in order to defend his guests, Sayyiduna Lut (علیہ السلام) said, "Here are my daughters present; I will marry them to you, and this is a purer path for you. Do not demand anything from me regarding my guests, nor disgrace me before them." He said this because these people had previously demanded the hand of his daughters in marriage, but seeing their evil deeds, he had refused them. Now, in order to protect the honor of his guests and himself, he even accepted this demand of theirs and reproached them, saying, "Have you crossed all limits of modesty and immorality? Is there not a single good person among you who can advise others or accept my word?"
The Meaning of "Daughters":
Some commentators also say that by "my daughters" is meant all the daughters of the nation, because a prophet is the spiritual father of the entire nation, and the daughters of the nation are his spiritual daughters. Although this is also correct, the sensitivity of the situation demands the explanation that was presented earlier, and the apparent words of the Quran also support this.
[88]
The Thugs Forcing Their Way In and the Offer of Sayyiduna Lut (علیہ السلام):
As soon as the arrival of these guests was known, some thugs climbed over the walls of the house and reached there, demanding from Sayyiduna Lut (علیہ السلام) that he hand over the guests to them. This was the very moment that was a source of great distress for Sayyiduna Lut (علیہ السلام). Thus, in order to defend his guests, Sayyiduna Lut (علیہ السلام) said, "Here are my daughters present; I will marry them to you, and this is a purer path for you. Do not demand anything from me regarding my guests, nor disgrace me before them." He said this because these people had previously demanded the hand of his daughters in marriage, but seeing their evil deeds, he had refused them. Now, in order to protect the honor of his guests and himself, he even accepted this demand of theirs and reproached them, saying, "Have you crossed all limits of modesty and immorality? Is there not a single good person among you who can advise others or accept my word?"
The Meaning of "Daughters":
Some commentators also say that by "my daughters" is meant all the daughters of the nation, because a prophet is the spiritual father of the entire nation, and the daughters of the nation are his spiritual daughters. Although this is also correct, the sensitivity of the situation demands the explanation that was presented earlier, and the apparent words of the Quran also support this.
