Surah Al‑Nūr (The Light), the 24th chapter of Al-Qurʾān spells out a complete code of conduct for Muslims to live an honest, pure and meaningful life as per the dictates of Divine commandments and instructions. We have already shared a number of verses from this important Surah for the beneficial information of our readers. The post today is one such effort to apprise our readers to about privacy and etiquette of visitation.
The verse 27 of Surah Al‑Nūr introduces a cornerstone of Muslim social ethics: the right to privacy and the etiquette of entering someone’s home. The Qurʼānic text and early Sunnah explain how belief in Allah translates into respect for others’ sanctity and preventing temptation.
The Text of Ayat 27:
يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تَدۡخُلُوۡا بُيُوۡتًا غَيۡرَ بُيُوۡتِكُمۡ حَتّٰى تَسۡتَاۡنِسُوۡا وَتُسَلِّمُوۡا عَلٰٓى اَهۡلِهَا ؕ ذٰ لِكُمۡ خَيۡرٌ لَّـكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُوۡنَ
Believers! Enter not houses other than your own houses until you have obtained the permission of the inmates of those houses and have greeted them with peace. This is better for you. It is expected that you will observe this.
We have already given a detailed explanation / exegesis of this verse while presenting the exegesis of the Surah and can be consulted for the detailed explanation: Surah An Nur - The Light" Exegesis of 24th Chapter of Holy Qur'an - Part III
Herein under, we just present a brief for pre assimilation of the ayat before reading the detailed explanation from above quoted link.
This injunction emphasizes two key actions before entering:
- Asking permission (Arabic: tastanisū)
- Greeting with the salām
Why This Matters
- Privacy Protection: Prevents accidental intrusion into private family spaces, unknown states of dress, or personal activity. It guards honour and modesty, aligning with the Surah’s broader theme of chastity.
- Social Adab (Manners): The request for permission is not demanding — it’s an act of respect, cultural refinement, and God-consciousness (taqwā).
- Mental Discipline: The verse closes with “that you may remember”—it links etiquette to spiritual mindfulness.
What if no one answers or told to go back?
The next ayat of Surah An Nur explains"
(24:28) Then if you find no one in them, do not enter until you have been given permission (to enter). And if you are told to go back, then do go back. This is a purer way for you. Allah knows all what you do.
Sunnah Examples & Elaborations
Since the life of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم was a living embodiment of Al-Qurʾān, he too many a times instructed his companions to respect the privacy of others and ensure etiquette of visitation.
- Asking Permission Up to Three Times
- Abū Mūsā al-Ashʿarī visited Caliph ʿUmar’s home, gave salām thrice without response, so he turned back.
- Upon hearing this, ʿUmar affirmed: “Did I not remember that the Prophet ﷺ said: ‘If permission is asked three times and not granted, then turn back?’”
- The Prophet ﷺ once visited the house of Saʿd ibn ʿUbadah, requested permission three times, and then went away—until Saʿd offered him entrance, explaining he would not reply aloud until he felt sure the Prophet did not hear him.
- The above example explains the spirit of the 28th verse as quoted above: Then if you find no one in them, do not enter until you have been given permission (to enter). And if you are told to go back, then do go back. This is a purer way for you. Allah knows all what you do.
- Stand Slightly to the Side:
- It is generally observed that a visitor after knocking the door or bell as of these days stands right in front of the door, an act whicch is tantamount to violation of the rule of privacy.
- The Prophet ﷺ emphasized not standing right in front of the door before entry; rather, at a slight side, thereby avoiding even a peek into the home.
- Identify Yourself
- Sometimes, people take it for granted that having knocked the door, the man of the house would recognize and will allow entry. Or even if he enquires who is at the door, the visitor replies, "It is I" without giving out name. This is incorrect way of etiquette of visitation.
- In fact, when someone said only “I am” thrice, the Prophet ﷺ admonished him to announce his identity clearly so occupants would feel at ease.
- In the regard. upon knocking, the Prophet ﷺ would say: “As-salāmu ʿalaykum (ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ), I am Muhammad, may I enter?”
- Seek Permission Even from Close Kin: A man asked if he should seek permission to enter his mother’s house. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Yes”—even though they lived together—explaining it prevents accidental embarrassment.
- No Need in Emergencies
- However in case of emergency the above said rules may be set aside.
- If risk or public harm is present—such as a fire or theft—one may enter without permission (e.g. to help or report the situation).
The Ethical Purpose in a Nutshell
Surah An-Nūr (24:27) and the Sunnah surrounding it form a social contract of mutual respect. Entering a house with permission, greeting, and dignity embodies:
- Mindful obedience to Divine Command
- Protection of personal privacy
- Promotion of trust and emotional safety within homes
- Cultivation of sobriety, humility, and self-control in public spaces
In light of the Divine instructions, as explained by sunnah of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, we should pay heed to such etiquette to ensure privacy of the one being visited and ensure the respect and dignity of his household. And if someone does not answers the door knock or calls out to go back, one should also respect the prerogative of the man of the house and return without being offended. However, in case of emergency like fire or loud cries from inside probably due to entrance of thieves, one may prevail upon and enter. It would be better though to assemble a few respectable from neighbors because solo forced entry may it self be a criminal act.
Please refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from Sūrah 24. An-Nur (The Light) for verses from this Surah
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
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