What is the ruling of the verse: And if you are asked to leave, then leave?
قال الله تعالى (وَإِن قِيلَ لَكُمُ ارْجِعُوا فَارْجِعُوا) ما الحكم الذي يمكن فهمه من هذه الآية؟
The Quran establishes clear boundaries to protect human dignity and domestic peace. Understanding the proper etiquette of visiting others is essential, as it teaches Muslims to respect personal space and accept rejection without harboring any negative feelings.
يضع القرآن الكريم حدودا واضحة لحماية الكرامة الإنسانية والسلام الأسري. إن فهم الآداب الصحيحة لزيارة الآخرين أمر ضروري، لأنه يعلم المسلمين احترام المساحة الشخصية وتقبل الرفض دون إضمار أي مشاعر سلبية.
1. Ownership and Privacy | الملكية والخصوصية
Houses and dwellings belong to people and therefore you must not enter them without permission to do so. A home is a private sanctuary, and respecting this physical boundary is a fundamental Islamic duty that guarantees safety and comfort for all inhabitants.
البيوت ملك لأصحابها لا يجوز دخولها إلا بإذن. فالمنزل هو ملاذ خاص، واحترام هذه الحدود المادية هو واجب إسلامي أصيل يضمن السلامة والراحة لجميع السكان.
2. The Obligation of Seeking Permission | وجوب الاستئذان
Consequently, one must ask for permission before entering. This proactive approach ensures that the homeowners are properly dressed and fully ready to receive visitors, protecting them from sudden and embarrassing intrusions.
وبناء على ذلك يجب الاستئذان حين الدخول للبيوت. يضمن هذا النهج الاستباقي أن يكون أصحاب المنزل مستعدين تماما لاستقبال الزوار، ويحميهم من الاقتحام المفاجئ والمحرج.
3. Departing When Asked | الانصراف عند الطلب
In such a case where a homeowner cannot receive guests, you must go away, as told. If permission is not granted to enter the house, then one is not allowed to enter in spite of its owners. Accepting this rejection with a pure heart is the true mark of a believer's excellent character.
وفي مثل هذه الحالة التي لا يستطيع فيها صاحب المنزل استقبال الضيوف، عليك أن ترجع كما طلب منك. فمن لم يؤذن له بدخول البيت لا يجوز له أن يدخل رغما عن أصحاب البيوت. وتقبل هذا الرفض بصدر رحب هو العلامة الحقيقية لحسن خلق المؤمن.
The Quranic Command | الأمر القرآني
Allah Almighty explicitly commands this behavior to purify the hearts of the believers from arrogance and entitlement.
(And if you are asked to leave, then leave. That is purer for you) Surah An Nur 24: 28.
يأمر الله تعالى بهذا السلوك صراحة لتزكية قلوب المؤمنين من الكبر والتعالي.
قال الله تعالى: (وَإِن قِيلَ لَكُمُ ارْجِعُوا فَارْجِعُوا ۖ هُوَ أَزْكَىٰ لَكُمْ) النور 24: 28.
Scholarly Insight: Islamic scholars emphasize that being asked to leave should never cause anger or offense. The Quran describes returning without entering as "purer for you" because it trains the ego to submit to divine rules and respects the unseen circumstances of the host. A person may be ill, busy, or dealing with private family matters, and Islam unconditionally protects their right to say no.
Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة
What should I do if the homeowner asks me to come back later?
In such a case you must go away, exactly as told, without feeling offended. This respectful departure is considered purer for your heart in Islam.
Why must I ask for permission before entering?
Because houses and dwellings belong to people and are their private property, therefore you must not enter them without explicit permission to do so.
Can I enter if the door is open but permission is denied?
No. If permission is not granted to enter the house, then one is not allowed to enter in spite of its owners under any circumstances.