Surah al-Hijr (The Valley of Stone) 15 : 58

Overview (Verses 57 - 60)

Here we note a reference to God’s grace in Abraham’s reply, which fits with the beginning. An emphasis is also placed here on the fact that only those who go far astray despair of God’s grace. They go far away from the road God has laid down for people to traverse, so they do not feel His mercy, compassion and care which He bestows on all His servants. On the other hand, a person whose heart is full of faith will never despair of God’s grace, no matter what hardship and difficulties he is called on to endure. Even in the thickness of darkness and the gloom of adversity, they feel that God’s grace is close at hand. It will never fail to be bestowed. God has the power to initiate the causes and bring about the results, changing the present and the future.

As Abraham feels reassured he becomes eager to know the purpose they have been sent to accomplish: “[Abraham] said: ‘What is your business, you [heavenly] messengers?’ They replied: ‘We are sent to a guilty nation, except for Lot’s household, all of whom we shall save, except for his wife. We have decreed that she should remain with those who stay behind.” (Verses 57-60) The account we have here does not refer to Abraham’s argument on behalf of Lot and his people, as mentioned in Sūrah Hūd. Instead, it moves on quickly from the angels’ information to the realization of their mission. Abraham believes that God will bestow His grace on Lot and his household, with the exception of Lot’s wife. Thus the business the angels have with Abraham is accomplished, and they proceed towards completion of their mission.