Surah An-Noor (24) — Ayah 27

27. O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own [32] until you have sought permission and greeted their inhabitants with peace [33]. That is better for you, so that you may be mindful (and act accordingly) [34].

[32]
Prohibition of Entering the Households Without Permission:

Previously, in Surah Al-Ahzab, the command to enter homes only after seeking permission had already been given. However, the scope of that command was limited only to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. But through this command, it has been extended to all homes. Earlier in this Surah, such commands were mentioned that pertained to situations where some mischief had already arisen due to indecency. Now, such commands are being given, adherence to which minimizes the chances of any mischief arising. In other words, these commands serve as a preventive measure against the spread of indecency. In Arab society, it was a common practice that people would enter each other's homes without hesitation. Through this verse, such unrestricted comings and goings have been prohibited.

[33]
The Literal Meaning of "Istianas":

In this verse, the word "tastanisu" has been used, whose root is "uns," which in Arabic has the same meaning as understood among us, i.e., to be familiar with someone or to make someone familiar. And it means to do anything by which the owner of the house becomes aware that a certain person is standing at the door seeking permission to enter. Sometimes, this purpose is achieved simply by clearing one's throat. And sometimes by speaking or saying "Assalamu Alaikum." In this way, the owner of the house recognizes from the cough or voice that it is the voice of a certain person. Sometimes, a person presses the electric bell in such a manner that is familiar between him and the owner of the house, and by ringing the bell, the owner of the house knows that a certain person has come and is calling. All such situations are included in the meaning of "tastanisu." That is why it has been translated with its close meaning, "to seek approval." Now, if this "istianas" is done simply by saying "Assalamu Alaikum," then it is fine. And if it is done in some other way, then it is also necessary to say "Assalamu Alaikum" when entering the house. Here, another question arises: What is meant by "your houses"? And which houses are included in its meaning? The answer is that by "your house" is meant only that house where his wife resides. This is the house in which the husband can enter at any time without hesitation and without permission. Even when entering the houses of one's mother and daughters, seeking "istianas" is necessary, as is evident from the following hadith: Alaa bin Sayyar says that a man asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, "Should I seek permission even when entering my mother's house?" He ﷺ replied, "Yes." He said, "But I live with her in the house." He ﷺ replied, "Still, seek permission before entering." He said, "But I am the one who serves her." He ﷺ replied, "Still, seek permission before entering. Do you like to see your mother naked?" He said, "No." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Then seek permission before entering." [موطا امام مالک۔ کتاب الجامع۔ باب الاستیذان]

And entering "your house" without permission is certainly allowed. However, it is better not to enter your own house suddenly and abruptly.

[34]
Why is Permission Necessary?

That is, it is better for both the owner of the house and the visitor that the visitor first obtains permission from the owner of the house and then enters. Because if the visitor enters the house without permission, it is possible that the family members are engaged in some private conversation, or a woman is moving about without hijab, or the owner of the house, due to some other compulsion or excuse, does not wish to meet at that time, and thus the visitor may unnecessarily face embarrassment or regret. Therefore, the courteous way is to seek permission before entering someone's house.