Translation
Our [God’s] messengers certainly came to Abraham with good news and greeted him—Peace [salam] to which Abraham responded likewise—Peace [salam]. He made no delay in getting food [a roasted calf] (for them), but when he saw that they were not reaching for the food, he did not know what to make of them and became fearful. They responded: “Fear not. We are on our way to the community of Lot.” His wife (Sarah) was standing nearby (hearing the conversations) and she wondered (at the purpose of their coming here). So, We [God] gave her the news of Isaac [Ishaq] and, after Isaac, (his son) Jacob [Yaqub]. 500
She said: “Oh my! Is it possible that I can bear a son when I am an old lady, and this husband of mine is also an old man?” They (angels) responded: “Are you wondering at God’s will and command while Mercy of God and His blessings are on you and your household. God is Ever Praiseworthy, Majestic!
Once Abraham recovered from his (initial) fear and was assured with the good news, he earnestly started to plead with Us [God] for the case of the people of Lot, as he is always full of clemency, soft hearted and constantly turning to God. 501
Interpretation
500 This story of Prophet Abraham and the visitation by the angels are mentioned in various places in the Qur’an as well as in the Bible and the Torah. Following verses 14:35–41, 15:51–60, 37:83–113, 51:24–37 provides additional details and color to the conversations and the matter at hand. Genesis 18:1–7, 8, 10–12 also make references to this as well as various sections (11–26+) about Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac. Even though the Qur’an does not explicitly use the word “angel,” messengers (referring to angels) in the form of men are sent to prophets to convey God’s message and to carry out God’s directives, as specifically mentioned in the case of Abraham, Lot, Zacharia, Mary, and in the various Hadith of Prophet Mohammad.
501 The nature of Prophet Abraham is described here in terms of his soft heart, empathetic mind, and genuine concern for everyone, including the people of the community of Prophet Lot, who were in imminent danger of God’s displeasure. Throughout the Qur’an Abraham is portraited as a great prophet, a grand human being, uncompromising in his commitment to God and human goodness, always praying and wishing for all generations God’s blessings and his legendary belief in God’s beauty and justice, so that he was ready to sacrifice his own child as he was tested by God with one of the most difficult tests in one’s life that one can imagine.
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REFLECTION
The stories of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac are repeated in various parts of the Qur’an. This is the nuclear family to whom all three monotheistic and Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—traces their roots back. The Genesis in the Bible and the Torah provides details on Abraham and his generations of offspring, from whom various prophets came into being including Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad.
ACTION
This common bond among these three religions should foster a culture of mutual respect and dialogue rather than conflicts and discord that we have seen during various parts of the last three millennia. As God said in 5:48, it was our choices that made us different, but God intended but did not force us to be the same. As such, our goal should be to compete for goodness to one another and not mutual discord and hostility.