Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibrîl (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrâhîm (Abraham)?
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
هَلْhalHas
أَتَىٰكَatākareached you
حَدِيثُḥadīthu(the) narration
ضَيْفِḍayfi(of the) guests
إِبْرَٰهِيمَib'rāhīma(of) Ibrahim
ٱلْمُكْرَمِينَl-muk'ramīnathe honored
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 24) ➊ { هَلْاَتٰىكَحَدِيْثُضَيْفِاِبْرٰهِيْمَ … :} From here, for the consolation of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), the help given to some prophets and the punishments that befell the nations who denied them are mentioned. The incidents of Ibrahim and Lut (peace be upon them) and their exegetical benefits have already been detailed in Surah Hud (69 to 83), Hijr (51 to 77), and Ankabut (16 to 35). A few points relevant to this place are mentioned here. ➋ Has the news of Ibrahim’s honored guests reached you? The purpose of the question is to make one feel the greatness, dignity, and importance of this incident, and also that you had no knowledge of this matter; it is We who are informing you of it through revelation. ➌ { ’’ الْمُكْرَمِيْنَ ‘‘} (Honored) It is said because the angels are honored in the sight of Allah Almighty, as He said: « بَلْعِبَادٌمُّكْرَمُوْنَ »[ الأنبیاء : ۲۶ ] “Rather, they are honored servants.” And our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also commanded: [ مَنْكَانَيُؤْمِنُبِاللّٰهِوَالْيَوْمِالْآخِرِفَلْيُكْرِمْضَيْفَهُ ][ بخاري، الأدب، باب من کان یؤمن باللّٰہ… : ۶۰۱۸ ] “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest.”
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.
24. 1. ھَلْ is for interrogation in which there is a notification to the Prophet ﷺ that you do not have knowledge of this story, rather We are informing you through revelation.
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.
(O Prophet ﷺ!) Has the story [18] of Abraham’s honored guests [19] reached you?
[18] The mention of the angels coming to Sayyiduna Ibrahim to give the glad tidings of Sayyiduna Ishaq has already been discussed in Surah Hud, verses 69 to 76, Surah Hijr, verses 51 to 60, and Surah Ankabut, verses 31 and 32. Those footnotes may also be consulted. [19] The Arrival of Angels at Sayyiduna Ibrahim’s House:
These honored guests were angels, and according to some commentators, they were three angels: Sayyiduna Jibreel, Sayyiduna Mikaeel, and Sayyiduna Israfeel, who came in human forms.