Abraham: From fear to good news

The messengers who came to Abraham offered their greetings; he returned their greetings and soon brought a roasted calf. However, seeing that their hands did not reach for the food, he felt uneasy and experienced fear. In the encounter that began with hospitality, the identity of the visitors was not yet clear to him.

The messengers told him not to be afraid and informed him that they were sent to the people of Lot. The good news of Isaac and, after him, Jacob was given to Abraham’s wife, who was standing. Thus, in the same visit, both a task concerning another community and happy news concerning the family took place.

Abraham’s wife was astonished that she would have a child while she and her husband were old. The messengers told her not to be amazed at Allah’s command; they reminded her of the mercy and blessings upon this household. The narrative does not hide the astonishment of the person receiving the good news.

It is stated that once Abraham’s fear subsided and he received the good news, he began to speak about the people of Lot. His being gentle, tender-hearted, and one who turns to Allah is mentioned. However, he was told to no longer insist on this matter. The account combines hospitality, human anxiety, joy, and compassion for others in the same encounter.