Topic: Chosen
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وَإِذْ قَالَتِ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ يَٰمَرْيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَٱصْطَفَىٰكِ عَلَىٰ نِسَآءِ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
3:34.
3:34.
The use of the word "angels" in the plural number has its own significance. If the mere conveying of a message was intended, only one angel could have acted as a message-bearer. In the Quranic idiom the use of the plural number signifies that, as God intended to bring about, through Mary’s son, a great change in the world, affecting various spheres of life, He ordered all the different angels connected with the relevant spheres to take part in conveying the message, thus calling upon all of them to help him in bringing about the desired change.
In this verse the word "chosen" has been used twice. In the first place it has been used in regard to Mary without reference to any other person, signifying her exalted position absolutely; while in the second place it has been used to express her high position in relation to other women of her time. According to the usage of the Qur’an, the expression Nisa’il-‘Alamin does not here refer to the women of all times and all ages, but only to the women of the specific time in which Mary lived.
3:34.
Commentary:
As Yahya (John) was the forerunner of Jesus (Mal. 3:1; 4: 5), the Quran has first mentioned the prophecy relating to him and then has proceeded to give a detailed account of the birth and prophethood of Jesus along with a brief mention of his mother, Mary, which is meant as a preliminary to the real subject. In the present verse the word "chosen" has been used twice. This is not without purpose. In the first instance the word has been used in regard to Mary without reference to any other person, signifying her exalted position absolutely; while in the second case it has been used to express her high position in relation to other women of her time. It need not be mentioned that, according to the usage of the Quran, the word ‘alamin (peoples) does not here refer to all times and all ages, but only to the specific time in which Mary lived. See also 2:48.
The use of the word الملائکة (angels) in the plural number is also not purposeless. If the mere conveying of a message was intended, only one angel could act as a message-bearer.
Why then did God order a number of them to speak to Mary? In the Quranic idiom the use of the plural number signifies that, as God intended to bring about, through her son, a great change in the world affecting various spheres of life, He ordered all the different angels connected with the relevant spheres to take part in conveying the message, thus calling upon all of them to help in bringing about the desired change. See note on angels in 2:31.
d
3:34.
a
3:34.
333
Commentary:
As Yahya (John) was the forerunner of Jesus (Mal. 3:1; 4: 5), the Quran has first mentioned the prophecy relating to him and then has proceeded to give a detailed account of the birth and prophethood of Jesus along with a brief mention of his mother, Mary, which is meant as a preliminary to the real subject. In the present verse the word "chosen" has been used twice. This is not without purpose. In the first instance the word has been used in regard to Mary without reference to any other person, signifying her exalted position absolutely; while in the second case it has been used to express her high position in relation to other women of her time. It need not be mentioned that, according to the usage of the Quran, the word ‘alamin (peoples) does not here refer to all times and all ages, but only to the specific time in which Mary lived. See also 2:48.
The use of the word الملائکة (angels) in the plural number is also not purposeless. If the mere conveying of a message was intended, only one angel could act as a message-bearer.
Why then did God order a number of them to speak to Mary? In the Quranic idiom the use of the plural number signifies that, as God intended to bring about, through her son, a great change in the world affecting various spheres of life, He ordered all the different angels connected with the relevant spheres to take part in conveying the message, thus calling upon all of them to help in bringing about the desired change. See note on angels in 2:31.
b
3:34.
411
The use of the word "angels" in the plural number has its own significance. If the mere conveying of a message was intended, only one angel could have acted as a message-bearer. In the Quranic idiom the use of the plural number signifies that, as God intended to bring about, through Mary’s son, a great change in the world, affecting various spheres of life, He ordered all the different angels connected with the relevant spheres to take part in conveying the message, thus calling upon all of them to help him in bringing about the desired change.
412
In this verse the word "chosen" has been used twice. In the first place it has been used in regard to Mary without reference to any other person, signifying her exalted position absolutely; while in the second place it has been used to express her high position in relation to other women of her time. According to the usage of the Qur’an, the expression Nisa’il-‘Alamin does not here refer to the women of all times and all ages, but only to the women of the specific time in which Mary lived.
يَٰمَرْيَمُ ٱقْنُتِى لِرَبِّكِ وَٱسْجُدِى وَٱرْكَعِى مَعَ ٱلرَّٰكِعِينَ
عربی میں رَکَعَ کے معنے توحید کے مطابق عبادت کرنے کے ہیں۔ اس لئے یہ ترجمہ کیا گیا ہے کہ مواحدانہ پرستش کر۔
ارکعی (worship God alone). See 2:44.
1
عربی میں رَکَعَ کے معنے توحید کے مطابق عبادت کرنے کے ہیں۔ اس لئے یہ ترجمہ کیا گیا ہے کہ مواحدانہ پرستش کر۔
333A
ارکعی (worship God alone). See 2:44.
ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآءِ ٱلْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ ۚ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يُلْقُونَ أَقْلَٰمَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ يَكْفُلُ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ
یعنی یہ باتیں بائبل کی خرافات کے خلاف ہیں اور عالم الغیب خدا نے تجھ پر ظاہر کی ہیں۔
11:50; 12:103.
3:38.
Many of the facts which the Qur’an has brought to light regarding Mary are not found in the previous Scriptures. Hence, they are here spoken of as "things unseen." As narrated in the verses that follow, Mary had become pregnant, while leading a life of dedication in the Temple. The priests grew anxious when they came to know of the startling fact. They feared scandal and disputed among themselves and cast lots to decide as to who should take charge of Mary and arrange her disposal in marriage. One Joseph, a carpenter, as mentioned in the Gospels, was hit upon as a suitable person to be her husband and was persuaded to accept the awkward situation. All this was naturally done in secret and so it was a Ghaib (a thing unseen) which the Qur’an has brought to light.
11:50; 12:103.
3:38.
Important Words:
اقلامھم (their arrows). اقلام is the plural of قلم (an arrow). They say قلم الشیء i.e. he cut the thing. قلم الظفر means, he clipped the superfluous part of the nail (Aqrab). القلم means; (1) a reed used for writing after being pared or shaped into a pen, i.e. a reed-pen; (2) a headless arrow used for drawing lots; (3) an arrow or a dart (Aqrab). It was customary among Arabs to use arrows for drawing lots as well as in gambling, etc.
Commentary:
Many of the facts which the Quran has brought to light regarding Mary are not found in the previous Scriptures. Hence, they are here spoken of as "things unseen". As narrated in the verses that follow, Mary had become pregnant, while leading a life of dedication in the temple. The priests grew most anxious when they came to know of the startling fact. They feared scandal and disputed among themselves and cast lots to decide as to who should take charge of her and arrange her disposal in marriage with some suitable person. One Joseph, a carpenter, as mentioned in the Gospels, was hit upon as a suitable person to be her husband and was persuaded to accept the awkward situation. All this was naturally done in secret and so it was a غیب (a thing unseen) which the Quran has brought to light.
e
11:50; 12:103.
f
3:38.
2
یعنی یہ باتیں بائبل کی خرافات کے خلاف ہیں اور عالم الغیب خدا نے تجھ پر ظاہر کی ہیں۔
a
11:50; 12:103.
b
3:38.
334
Important Words:
اقلامھم (their arrows). اقلام is the plural of قلم (an arrow). They say قلم الشیء i.e. he cut the thing. قلم الظفر means, he clipped the superfluous part of the nail (Aqrab). القلم means; (1) a reed used for writing after being pared or shaped into a pen, i.e. a reed-pen; (2) a headless arrow used for drawing lots; (3) an arrow or a dart (Aqrab). It was customary among Arabs to use arrows for drawing lots as well as in gambling, etc.
Commentary:
Many of the facts which the Quran has brought to light regarding Mary are not found in the previous Scriptures. Hence, they are here spoken of as "things unseen". As narrated in the verses that follow, Mary had become pregnant, while leading a life of dedication in the temple. The priests grew most anxious when they came to know of the startling fact. They feared scandal and disputed among themselves and cast lots to decide as to who should take charge of her and arrange her disposal in marriage with some suitable person. One Joseph, a carpenter, as mentioned in the Gospels, was hit upon as a suitable person to be her husband and was persuaded to accept the awkward situation. All this was naturally done in secret and so it was a غیب (a thing unseen) which the Quran has brought to light.
a
11:50; 12:103.
b
3:38.
413
Many of the facts which the Qur’an has brought to light regarding Mary are not found in the previous Scriptures. Hence, they are here spoken of as "things unseen." As narrated in the verses that follow, Mary had become pregnant, while leading a life of dedication in the Temple. The priests grew anxious when they came to know of the startling fact. They feared scandal and disputed among themselves and cast lots to decide as to who should take charge of Mary and arrange her disposal in marriage. One Joseph, a carpenter, as mentioned in the Gospels, was hit upon as a suitable person to be her husband and was persuaded to accept the awkward situation. All this was naturally done in secret and so it was a Ghaib (a thing unseen) which the Qur’an has brought to light.
إِذْ قَالَتِ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ يَٰمَرْيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ ٱسْمُهُ ٱلْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَجِيهًا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْءَاخِرَةِ وَمِنَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ
19:30.
3:10; 4:172.
Kalimah means, a word; a decree; a command (Mufradat). This word along with the word, Ruh, occurring together in 4:172 makes it clear without a shadow of doubt that, far from establishing it, these words have been used to demolish and repudiate the doctrine of the so-called divinity and sonship of Jesus. In it Jesus has been called Kalimatullah because his words were helpful to the cause of Truth. Just as a person who helps the cause of Truth by his valour is called Saifullah (the Sword of God) or Asadullah (the Lion of God), so was Jesus called Kalimatullah because also his birth did not take place through the agency of a male parent but by the direct "command" of God (19:22). Besides the literal meanings given above the Qur’an has used the word Kalimah in the following senses: (1) "a Sign" (66:13 & 8:8); (2) "punishment" (10:97); (3) "plan" or "design" (9:40); (4) "glad tidings" ( 7:138 ); (5) "creation of God" (18:110); (6) "a mere word of mouth" or
Al-Masih is derived from Masaha which means, he wiped off the dirt from the thing with his hand; he anointed it with oil; he journeyed through the land; God blessed him (Aqrab). Masih, therefore, means (1) one anointed; (2) one who travels much; (3) one blessed. Al-Masih is the Arabic form of Messiah which represents the Hebrew Mashiah, i.e. Anointed One (Enc. Bib.; Enc. Rel. & Eth.). Jesus was given this name because he was to travel much. But if in pursuance of the Gospel narrative, his ministry be admitted to have been confined to only three years and his travels to only a few Palestinian or Syrian towns, the title of Masih in no way befits him. Recent historical research, however, has established the fact that after having recovered from the shock and the wounds of crucifixion, Jesus travelled far and wide in the East and finally reached Kashmir to give his message to the Lost Tribes of Israel who lived in those parts. See also {2000} where Jesus is spoken of as h
‘Isa seems to be the inverted form of the Hebrew word Yasu‘. Jesus is the Greek form of Josua and Jesua (Enc. Bib.).
Ibn-e-Maryam is a surname of Jesus known in Arabic as Kunyah. Jesus has been called Ibn-e-Maryam probably because, being born without the agency of a male parent, he could not but be known after his mother.
This expression also gives to Jesus no higher status than that of a righteous servant of God. All highly righteous people have been spoken of in the Qur’an as being granted nearness to God (56:11, 12).
19:20.
3:40; 4:172.
Important Words:
کلمة (word) means, a word; an expression; a proposition; a sentence; a saying; an argument; an assertion; an expression of opinion (Lane); a decree; a commandment (Mufradat). See also 2:38.
المسیح (Messiah) is derived from مسح. They say مسح الشیء i.e. he wiped off the dirt from the thing with his hand; or he passed his hand over it. مسح الشیء بالماء means he passed his hand, wetted with water, over the thing. مسحه means he anointed him or it with oil. مسح فی الارض means, he set forth journeying through the land. مسح البیت means, he compassed or went round the House of God. مسحه بالسیف means, he struck him with the sword and killed him. مسحه الله means, God created him blessed and goodly; and contrarily, God created him accursed and foul. مسیح therefore, means: (1) one anointed, i.e. wiped over with some such thing as oil; (2) a king; (3) one beautiful in the face; (4) one who journeys or travels much; (5) one very truthful; (6) one erring greatly; (7) one created blessed and goodly; (8) one created accursed and foul (Lane). المسیح الدجال means, Antichrist; one erring greatly and created accursed and foul; one travelling much, spreading false ideas. المسیح is the Arabic form of Messiah which represents the Hebrew Mashiah, i.e. anointed one (Enc. Bib. and Enc. of Rel. & Eth.)
عیسی (Jesus) is probably a Hebrew name in which it has the form الیسوع or یسوع from which the inverted Arabic form is عیسی. In Arabic, the word may be considered to have been derived from the root عیس or عوس. The word العیس means, white camels, the whiteness of whose hair is mixed with a dark shade, and these are looked upon as particularly good animals. عاس الرجل ماله means, the man managed his property well. عاس معیشته means, he improved and bettered his life (Aqrab & Lisan). Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua and Jeshua (Enc. Bib.)
ابن مریم (Son of Mary) is a surname of Jesus known in Arabic as Kunyah. Jesus has been called Ibn Maryam probably because, being born without the agency of a male parent, he could not but be known after his mother. For the word Mary see 3:43.
Commentary:
The word کلمة (word) as used in this verse requires some explanation, particularly because it has been quoted by Christian missionaries in support of the ridiculous allegation that by using it the Quran has recognized the sonship of Jesus. The occasion on which the verse was revealed would throw some light on the significance of the word.
The first 83 verses of this Surah were revealed when the Christian deputation from Najran visited Medina and had a discussion with the Holy Prophet about the status and personality of Jesus. Being silenced on other points, they asked the Holy Prophet whether the word Kalimah had been used in the Quran concerning Jesus, and, receiving a reply in the affirmative, they triumphantly shouted that they had won and rose to depart without waiting for the explanation of this much misunderstood word. The occasion and circumstances of the revelation of the relevant verses show that they were revealed not in support, but in refutation and repudiation, of the Christian doctrine of the divinity of Jesus. The words کلمة (word) and روح (mercy) occurring together in 4:172 make it clear beyond the shadow of a doubt that they have been used to destroy and repudiate the doctrine of the divinity and sonship of Jesus rather than establish it. The full verse referred to above runs as follows: O People of the Book, exceed not the limits in your religion, and say not of Allah anything but the truth. Verily the Messiah Jesus, Son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God and a fulfilment of His word (کلمة) which He sent down to Mary and mercy (روح) from Him. So believe in Allah and His Messengers and say not, 'They are three. Desist, it will be better for you; verily Allah is the only one God. Far is it from His holiness that He should have a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and sufficient is Allah as a guardian. The words speak for themselves.
Curiously enough, some Christian writers have asserted that the Holy Prophet did not understand the real significance of the word Kalimah. The word is Arabic; and to say that an Arab of the Holy Prophet’s knowledge and intelligence did not know its meaning or significance is simply absurd. It is a fact that neither the Holy Prophet nor any of his followers ever attached to this word any extraordinary significance which might exalt Jesus over the rest of humanity. Large numbers of Christians have accepted Islam in the past. While studying the Quran, they must have come across this word several times but none of them ever took it in the sense in which our Christian critics pretend to take it, and none of them ever believed in the godhood of Jesus on account of this expression having been used in the Quran.
The great lexicographers, the author of Tajul-‘Urus, says that Jesus has been called Kalimatullah because his words were helpful to the cause of religion. Just as a person who helps the cause of religion by his valour is called Saifullah (the Sword of God) or Asadullah (the Lion of God), so is the expression Kalimatullah. According to the same authority, Jesus was called Kalimatullah also because his birth did not take place through the agency of a male parent, but by the direct "command" of God (19:21, 22).
Besides the literal meanings given above, the Quran has used this word in the following senses: (1) "a sign" as in 66:13 and 8:8; (2) "punishment" as in 10:97; (3) "plan" or "design" as in 9:40; (4) "glad tidings" as in 7:138; (5) "creation of God" as in 31:28 and 18:110; (6) "a mere word of mouth" or "a mere assertion" as in 23:101.
Taken in any of the above senses, the word کلمة (Kalimah) in no way gives to Jesus a status higher than that of other Prophets.
Again, if Jesus has been called Kalimah (word) in the Quran, the Holy Prophet has been called Dhikr, i.e. a book or a good speech (65:11, 12), which evidently consists of many Kalimat (words). In fact, if Kalimatullah is taken in the sense of "word of God," the utmost we can say is that God expressed Himself through Jesus just as He expressed Himself through other Prophets. Words are nothing but a vehicle for the expression of thoughts. They do not form part of our being nor do they become incarnated.
The personal pronoun in the expression اسمه (his name) occurring in the verse, being in the masculine gender, evidently cannot refer to Kalimah, which is in the feminine gender. It can only refer to the person about whom the glad tidings was given. The relevant clause of the verse may, therefore, also be rendered as, "O Mary, Allah gives thee glad tidings with a word, (i.e. by means of revelation) from Him; his, (i.e. the promised one’s) name shall be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary."
Jesus has been called Masih (Messiah) in this verse and the word Masih, as given under Important Words above, means one who travels much. Jesus was given this name because he was to travel much. But if in pursuance of the Gospel narrative, Jesus’ ministry be admitted to have been confined to only three years and his travels to only a few Palestinian or Syrian towns, the title of Masih in no way fits him. Recent historical research has, however, established the fact that after having recovered from the shock and the wounds of crucifixion, Jesus travelled far and wide in the East and finally reached Kashmir to give his message to the lost tribes of Israel who lived in these parts. In this connection see also 23:51, where Jesus is spoken of as having been afforded shelter in a hilly tract of land. مسیح (Masih)also means "one anointed". As the birth of Jesus was out of the ordinary and was liable to be looked upon as illegitimate, therefore, to remove this possible accusation, he was spoken of as "being anointed" with God’s own anointment, even as all true Prophets of God are anointed. Jesus has also been so spoken of because, like a thing anointed with oil, the water of sin could not penetrate him. It could only just touch his skin but could not sink into it nor remain there (Matt. 4:1-11). In contrast to it, the high spiritual rank of the Holy Prophet of Islam may be judged from a well-known saying of his wherein he says that his Satan had turned Muslim and urged him to do nothing but good (Musnad & Muslim), meaning that not only could no satanic touch harm him but that Satan had become virtually non-existent for him. Nay, it means even more; for, the words signify that the Holy Prophet had been provided with such a powerful spiritual transformer that even satanic suggestions were converted into veritable forces of virtue in him.
The expression, of those who are granted nearness to God, also gives to Jesus no higher position than that of a righteous servant of God. All people advanced in righteousness have been spoken of in the Quran as being granted nearness to God (56:11, 12).
g
19:30.
h
3:10; 4:172.
a
19:20.
b
3:40; 4:172.
335
Important Words:
کلمة (word) means, a word; an expression; a proposition; a sentence; a saying; an argument; an assertion; an expression of opinion (Lane); a decree; a commandment (Mufradat). See also 2:38.
المسیح (Messiah) is derived from مسح. They say مسح الشیء i.e. he wiped off the dirt from the thing with his hand; or he passed his hand over it. مسح الشیء بالماء means he passed his hand, wetted with water, over the thing. مسحه means he anointed him or it with oil. مسح فی الارض means, he set forth journeying through the land. مسح البیت means, he compassed or went round the House of God. مسحه بالسیف means, he struck him with the sword and killed him. مسحه الله means, God created him blessed and goodly; and contrarily, God created him accursed and foul. مسیح therefore, means: (1) one anointed, i.e. wiped over with some such thing as oil; (2) a king; (3) one beautiful in the face; (4) one who journeys or travels much; (5) one very truthful; (6) one erring greatly; (7) one created blessed and goodly; (8) one created accursed and foul (Lane). المسیح الدجال means, Antichrist; one erring greatly and created accursed and foul; one travelling much, spreading false ideas. المسیح is the Arabic form of Messiah which represents the Hebrew Mashiah, i.e. anointed one (Enc. Bib. and Enc. of Rel. & Eth.)
عیسی (Jesus) is probably a Hebrew name in which it has the form الیسوع or یسوع from which the inverted Arabic form is عیسی. In Arabic, the word may be considered to have been derived from the root عیس or عوس. The word العیس means, white camels, the whiteness of whose hair is mixed with a dark shade, and these are looked upon as particularly good animals. عاس الرجل ماله means, the man managed his property well. عاس معیشته means, he improved and bettered his life (Aqrab & Lisan). Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua and Jeshua (Enc. Bib.)
ابن مریم (Son of Mary) is a surname of Jesus known in Arabic as Kunyah. Jesus has been called Ibn Maryam probably because, being born without the agency of a male parent, he could not but be known after his mother. For the word Mary see 3:43.
Commentary:
The word کلمة (word) as used in this verse requires some explanation, particularly because it has been quoted by Christian missionaries in support of the ridiculous allegation that by using it the Quran has recognized the sonship of Jesus. The occasion on which the verse was revealed would throw some light on the significance of the word.
The first 83 verses of this Surah were revealed when the Christian deputation from Najran visited Medina and had a discussion with the Holy Prophet about the status and personality of Jesus. Being silenced on other points, they asked the Holy Prophet whether the word Kalimah had been used in the Quran concerning Jesus, and, receiving a reply in the affirmative, they triumphantly shouted that they had won and rose to depart without waiting for the explanation of this much misunderstood word. The occasion and circumstances of the revelation of the relevant verses show that they were revealed not in support, but in refutation and repudiation, of the Christian doctrine of the divinity of Jesus. The words کلمة (word) and روح (mercy) occurring together in 4:172 make it clear beyond the shadow of a doubt that they have been used to destroy and repudiate the doctrine of the divinity and sonship of Jesus rather than establish it. The full verse referred to above runs as follows: O People of the Book, exceed not the limits in your religion, and say not of Allah anything but the truth. Verily the Messiah Jesus, Son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God and a fulfilment of His word (کلمة) which He sent down to Mary and mercy (روح) from Him. So believe in Allah and His Messengers and say not, 'They are three. Desist, it will be better for you; verily Allah is the only one God. Far is it from His holiness that He should have a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and sufficient is Allah as a guardian. The words speak for themselves.
Curiously enough, some Christian writers have asserted that the Holy Prophet did not understand the real significance of the word Kalimah. The word is Arabic; and to say that an Arab of the Holy Prophet’s knowledge and intelligence did not know its meaning or significance is simply absurd. It is a fact that neither the Holy Prophet nor any of his followers ever attached to this word any extraordinary significance which might exalt Jesus over the rest of humanity. Large numbers of Christians have accepted Islam in the past. While studying the Quran, they must have come across this word several times but none of them ever took it in the sense in which our Christian critics pretend to take it, and none of them ever believed in the godhood of Jesus on account of this expression having been used in the Quran.
The great lexicographers, the author of Tajul-‘Urus, says that Jesus has been called Kalimatullah because his words were helpful to the cause of religion. Just as a person who helps the cause of religion by his valour is called Saifullah (the Sword of God) or Asadullah (the Lion of God), so is the expression Kalimatullah. According to the same authority, Jesus was called Kalimatullah also because his birth did not take place through the agency of a male parent, but by the direct "command" of God (19:21, 22).
Besides the literal meanings given above, the Quran has used this word in the following senses: (1) "a sign" as in 66:13 and 8:8; (2) "punishment" as in 10:97; (3) "plan" or "design" as in 9:40; (4) "glad tidings" as in 7:138; (5) "creation of God" as in 31:28 and 18:110; (6) "a mere word of mouth" or "a mere assertion" as in 23:101.
Taken in any of the above senses, the word کلمة (Kalimah) in no way gives to Jesus a status higher than that of other Prophets.
Again, if Jesus has been called Kalimah (word) in the Quran, the Holy Prophet has been called Dhikr, i.e. a book or a good speech (65:11, 12), which evidently consists of many Kalimat (words). In fact, if Kalimatullah is taken in the sense of "word of God," the utmost we can say is that God expressed Himself through Jesus just as He expressed Himself through other Prophets. Words are nothing but a vehicle for the expression of thoughts. They do not form part of our being nor do they become incarnated.
The personal pronoun in the expression اسمه (his name) occurring in the verse, being in the masculine gender, evidently cannot refer to Kalimah, which is in the feminine gender. It can only refer to the person about whom the glad tidings was given. The relevant clause of the verse may, therefore, also be rendered as, "O Mary, Allah gives thee glad tidings with a word, (i.e. by means of revelation) from Him; his, (i.e. the promised one’s) name shall be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary."
Jesus has been called Masih (Messiah) in this verse and the word Masih, as given under Important Words above, means one who travels much. Jesus was given this name because he was to travel much. But if in pursuance of the Gospel narrative, Jesus’ ministry be admitted to have been confined to only three years and his travels to only a few Palestinian or Syrian towns, the title of Masih in no way fits him. Recent historical research has, however, established the fact that after having recovered from the shock and the wounds of crucifixion, Jesus travelled far and wide in the East and finally reached Kashmir to give his message to the lost tribes of Israel who lived in these parts. In this connection see also 23:51, where Jesus is spoken of as having been afforded shelter in a hilly tract of land. مسیح (Masih)also means "one anointed". As the birth of Jesus was out of the ordinary and was liable to be looked upon as illegitimate, therefore, to remove this possible accusation, he was spoken of as "being anointed" with God’s own anointment, even as all true Prophets of God are anointed. Jesus has also been so spoken of because, like a thing anointed with oil, the water of sin could not penetrate him. It could only just touch his skin but could not sink into it nor remain there (Matt. 4:1-11). In contrast to it, the high spiritual rank of the Holy Prophet of Islam may be judged from a well-known saying of his wherein he says that his Satan had turned Muslim and urged him to do nothing but good (Musnad & Muslim), meaning that not only could no satanic touch harm him but that Satan had become virtually non-existent for him. Nay, it means even more; for, the words signify that the Holy Prophet had been provided with such a powerful spiritual transformer that even satanic suggestions were converted into veritable forces of virtue in him.
The expression, of those who are granted nearness to God, also gives to Jesus no higher position than that of a righteous servant of God. All people advanced in righteousness have been spoken of in the Quran as being granted nearness to God (56:11, 12).
c
19:30.
d
3:10; 4:172.
414
Kalimah means, a word; a decree; a command (Mufradat). This word along with the word, Ruh, occurring together in 4:172 makes it clear without a shadow of doubt that, far from establishing it, these words have been used to demolish and repudiate the doctrine of the so-called divinity and sonship of Jesus. In it Jesus has been called Kalimatullah because his words were helpful to the cause of Truth. Just as a person who helps the cause of Truth by his valour is called Saifullah (the Sword of God) or Asadullah (the Lion of God), so was Jesus called Kalimatullah because also his birth did not take place through the agency of a male parent but by the direct "command" of God (19:22). Besides the literal meanings given above the Qur’an has used the word Kalimah in the following senses: (1) "a Sign" (66:13 & 8:8); (2) "punishment" (10:97); (3) "plan" or "design" (9:40); (4) "glad tidings" ( 7:138 ); (5) "creation of God" (18:110); (6) "a mere word of mouth" or
415
Al-Masih is derived from Masaha which means, he wiped off the dirt from the thing with his hand; he anointed it with oil; he journeyed through the land; God blessed him (Aqrab). Masih, therefore, means (1) one anointed; (2) one who travels much; (3) one blessed. Al-Masih is the Arabic form of Messiah which represents the Hebrew Mashiah, i.e. Anointed One (Enc. Bib.; Enc. Rel. & Eth.). Jesus was given this name because he was to travel much. But if in pursuance of the Gospel narrative, his ministry be admitted to have been confined to only three years and his travels to only a few Palestinian or Syrian towns, the title of Masih in no way befits him. Recent historical research, however, has established the fact that after having recovered from the shock and the wounds of crucifixion, Jesus travelled far and wide in the East and finally reached Kashmir to give his message to the Lost Tribes of Israel who lived in those parts. See also {2000} where Jesus is spoken of as h
416
‘Isa seems to be the inverted form of the Hebrew word Yasu‘. Jesus is the Greek form of Josua and Jesua (Enc. Bib.).
417
Ibn-e-Maryam is a surname of Jesus known in Arabic as Kunyah. Jesus has been called Ibn-e-Maryam probably because, being born without the agency of a male parent, he could not but be known after his mother.
418
This expression also gives to Jesus no higher status than that of a righteous servant of God. All highly righteous people have been spoken of in the Qur’an as being granted nearness to God (56:11, 12).
وَٱلَّتِىٓ أَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِيهَا مِن رُّوحِنَا وَجَعَلْنَٰهَا وَٱبْنَهَآ ءَايَةً لِّلْعَٰلَمِينَ
بدقسمتی سے مسلمانوں نے یہ سمجھ لیا ہے کہ مریمؑ اور عیسیٰ ؑ کے سوا کوئی اور شخص نشان نہ تھا۔ حالانکہ قرآن کریم کے ہر ایک ٹکڑے کا نام آیت یعنی نشان رکھا گیا ہے (تاج) پس رسول کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم جن پر سارا قرآن نازل ہوا سب نشانوں کا مجموعہ تھے۔
66:13.
The verse refutes the calumnious charges that the Jews had levelled against Mary. It may also apply to any person who leads a righteous and upright life. In 66:13 a certain class of righteous believers are likened to Mary. Everyone of such righteous believers, so to say, is Mary, and when God breathes into him of His spirit he becomes a "son of Mary," i.e. he acquires the Divine attributes possessed by Jesus.
66:13.
Commentary:
The verse refutes the calumnious charges that the Jews had levelled against Mary. It also has a general application and may apply to any person who leads a righteous and upright life. In 66:13 a certain class of righteous believers are likened to Mary. Everyone of such righteous believers is Mary; and when God breathes into him of His spirit he becomes a 'son of Mary'. It is in this sense that the Promised Messiah has been called 'son of Mary' by the Holy Prophet.
Mary and her son were a sign in the sense that the fatherless birth of Jesus implied a warning to the Israelites that on account of their corruption and depravity and their persistent rejection of God’s Messengers they were to be deprived of the gift of prophethood forever. Jesus’ unusual birth marked a transitional stage. He had an Israelite mother but not an Israelite father. The next prophet was not to be from the House of Israel. With him the gift of prophethood, in accordance with the Biblical prophecy (Deut. 18:18), was to be transferred from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael. That Prophet was the Holy Prophet Muhammad. See also Introduction to the chapter 19.
a
66:13.
843
这节经文驳斥了犹太人对玛尔彦诬蔑性的种种指控。这也可以适用於任何一个过着正直生活的人。66:13 经文中, 某一阶层的正直信者被比作玛尔彦。因此, 每一个这样的正直信者可以说是玛尔彦, 而且当安拉把他的精神灌输给他后, 他就变成了 “玛尔彦的儿子” 也就是说, 他获得了伊撒所具有的安拉的常德。
2
بدقسمتی سے مسلمانوں نے یہ سمجھ لیا ہے کہ مریمؑ اور عیسیٰ ؑ کے سوا کوئی اور شخص نشان نہ تھا۔ حالانکہ قرآن کریم کے ہر ایک ٹکڑے کا نام آیت یعنی نشان رکھا گیا ہے (تاج) پس رسول کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم جن پر سارا قرآن نازل ہوا سب نشانوں کا مجموعہ تھے۔
c
66:13.
2418
Commentary:
The verse refutes the calumnious charges that the Jews had levelled against Mary. It also has a general application and may apply to any person who leads a righteous and upright life. In 66:13 a certain class of righteous believers are likened to Mary. Everyone of such righteous believers is Mary; and when God breathes into him of His spirit he becomes a 'son of Mary'. It is in this sense that the Promised Messiah has been called 'son of Mary' by the Holy Prophet.
Mary and her son were a sign in the sense that the fatherless birth of Jesus implied a warning to the Israelites that on account of their corruption and depravity and their persistent rejection of God’s Messengers they were to be deprived of the gift of prophethood forever. Jesus’ unusual birth marked a transitional stage. He had an Israelite mother but not an Israelite father. The next prophet was not to be from the House of Israel. With him the gift of prophethood, in accordance with the Biblical prophecy (Deut. 18:18), was to be transferred from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael. That Prophet was the Holy Prophet Muhammad. See also Introduction to the chapter 19.
b
66:13.
1914
The verse refutes the calumnious charges that the Jews had levelled against Mary. It may also apply to any person who leads a righteous and upright life. In 66:13 a certain class of righteous believers are likened to Mary. Everyone of such righteous believers, so to say, is Mary, and when God breathes into him of His spirit he becomes a "son of Mary," i.e. he acquires the Divine attributes possessed by Jesus.
وَمَرْيَمَ ٱبْنَتَ عِمْرَٰنَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِنَا وَصَدَّقَتْ بِكَلِمَٰتِ رَبِّهَا وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَكَانَتْ مِنَ ٱلْقَٰنِتِينَ
21:92.
لوگ اعتراض کرتے ہیں کہ عمران تو موسٰیؑ کے والد تھے‘ اور حضرت مریمؑ اُن سے ڈیڑھ ہزار سال بعد پیدا ہوئی تھیں۔ معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ قرآنِ کریم کے بھیجنے والے کو تاریخ کا بھی علم نہیں تھا‘ مگر یہ اعتراض بے عقلی پر دلالت کرتا ہے۔ رسول کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے سامنے خود اسی قسم کا اعتراض کیا گیا تھا اور آپ نے فرمایا تھا کہ یہ کوئی عجیب بات نہیں۔ ہر قوم میں یہ رواج ہے کہ اپنے بڑے آدمیوں کا نام تبرک کے طور پر رکھتے ہیں۔ پس مریم کے باپ کابھی اگر اس کے باپ نے تبرک کے طور پر عمران نام رکھ دیا ہو تواس میں تعجب کی کونسی بات ہے۔
لوگ کہتے ہیں کہ مسیحؑ روح ہے کیونکہ وہ مریمؑ کے پیٹ میں ڈالا گیا تھا۔ لیکن یہ نا سمجھی کی بات ہے روح کے معنے جیسا کہ ہم پہلے سے لکھ چکے ہیں کلام کے بھی ہوتے ہیں۔ پس اس کے محض یہ معنے ہیں کہ ہم نے مریمؑ پر اپنا کلام نازل کیا تھا اور اس کو الہام کے ذریعہ سے مسیحؑ کی پیدائش کی خبر دی تھی۔
یعنی اس بات پر ایمان لائی تھی کہ واقعہ میں مجھے خداتعالیٰ کی طرف سے ایک بیٹا دیا جانے والا ہے۔
یعنی مسیحؑ کے متعلق جو پیشگوئیاں پرانی کتابوں میں پائی جاتی تھیں‘ مریمؑ صرف اپنی وحی کے ذریعہ سے ان پر ایمان نہیں لائی‘ بلکہ ان کتابوں کی پیشگوئیوں کے ذریعہ بھی ایمان لائی۔
کَانَتْ کا صیغہ مؤنث کا ہے مگر مِنَ الْقٰنِتِیْنَ میں قَانِتٌ مذکر آیا ہے۔ جس کے معنے یہ بنتے ہیں کہ وہ عورت ذات فرمانبرداروں میں شامل ہوگئی۔ یعنی اس کو ترقی دیتے دیتے اللہ تعالیٰ نے وہ مقام دے دیا‘ جو کامل مردوں کو حاصل ہوتا ہے یہ ایک پیشگوئی تھی کہ آئندہ زمانہ میں خداتعالیٰ کی طرف سے ایک ایسا آدمی ظاہر ہوگا جس کو پہلے مریم کا نام دیا جائے گا اور پھر ترقی کرتے کرتے اس کو عیسیٰ کا نام دیا جائے گا۔ جو مرد کامل تھا۔
21:92.
Commentary:
In this and the preceding two verses, examples of the wives of the Prophets Noah and Lot, of the wife of Pharaoh, and the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, are set forth. The disbelievers are compared to the wives of Noah and Lot in order to show that the companionship of a righteous man, even of a Prophet of God, does not benefit an evilly minded person who is bent upon rejecting truth. Prophet Noah’s wife was of a more wicked disposition than the wife of Lot since the latter only preferred the company of her relatives to that of Lot, while Noah’s son, probably under the corrupting influence of his mother, had rejected his father’s Message. The wife of Pharaoh stands for those believers who, though passionately desiring and praying to get rid of sin, yet cannot fully dissociate themselves from evil influences, represented by Pharaoh, and having arrived at the stage of the self-accusing soul (النفس اللوامة ) sometimes fail and falter. Mary, the mother of Jesus, represents those righteous servants of God, who having closed all avenues of sin and having made peace with God, are blessed with Divine inspiration; the pronoun (masculine gender) in فیه standing for such fortunate believers. Or, the pronoun may stand for فرج which, literally meaning a cleft or fissure, signifies an opening through which sin can find access.
a
21:92.
1
لوگ اعتراض کرتے ہیں کہ عمران تو موسٰیؑ کے والد تھے‘ اور حضرت مریمؑ اُن سے ڈیڑھ ہزار سال بعد پیدا ہوئی تھیں۔ معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ قرآنِ کریم کے بھیجنے والے کو تاریخ کا بھی علم نہیں تھا‘ مگر یہ اعتراض بے عقلی پر دلالت کرتا ہے۔ رسول کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے سامنے خود اسی قسم کا اعتراض کیا گیا تھا اور آپ نے فرمایا تھا کہ یہ کوئی عجیب بات نہیں۔ ہر قوم میں یہ رواج ہے کہ اپنے بڑے آدمیوں کا نام تبرک کے طور پر رکھتے ہیں۔ پس مریم کے باپ کابھی اگر اس کے باپ نے تبرک کے طور پر عمران نام رکھ دیا ہو تواس میں تعجب کی کونسی بات ہے۔
2
لوگ کہتے ہیں کہ مسیحؑ روح ہے کیونکہ وہ مریمؑ کے پیٹ میں ڈالا گیا تھا۔ لیکن یہ نا سمجھی کی بات ہے روح کے معنے جیسا کہ ہم پہلے سے لکھ چکے ہیں کلام کے بھی ہوتے ہیں۔ پس اس کے محض یہ معنے ہیں کہ ہم نے مریمؑ پر اپنا کلام نازل کیا تھا اور اس کو الہام کے ذریعہ سے مسیحؑ کی پیدائش کی خبر دی تھی۔
3
یعنی اس بات پر ایمان لائی تھی کہ واقعہ میں مجھے خداتعالیٰ کی طرف سے ایک بیٹا دیا جانے والا ہے۔
4
یعنی مسیحؑ کے متعلق جو پیشگوئیاں پرانی کتابوں میں پائی جاتی تھیں‘ مریمؑ صرف اپنی وحی کے ذریعہ سے ان پر ایمان نہیں لائی‘ بلکہ ان کتابوں کی پیشگوئیوں کے ذریعہ بھی ایمان لائی۔
5
کَانَتْ کا صیغہ مؤنث کا ہے مگر مِنَ الْقٰنِتِیْنَ میں قَانِتٌ مذکر آیا ہے۔ جس کے معنے یہ بنتے ہیں کہ وہ عورت ذات فرمانبرداروں میں شامل ہوگئی۔ یعنی اس کو ترقی دیتے دیتے اللہ تعالیٰ نے وہ مقام دے دیا‘ جو کامل مردوں کو حاصل ہوتا ہے یہ ایک پیشگوئی تھی کہ آئندہ زمانہ میں خداتعالیٰ کی طرف سے ایک ایسا آدمی ظاہر ہوگا جس کو پہلے مریم کا نام دیا جائے گا اور پھر ترقی کرتے کرتے اس کو عیسیٰ کا نام دیا جائے گا۔ جو مرد کامل تھا۔
a
21:92.
4286
Commentary:
In this and the preceding two verses, examples of the wives of the Prophets Noah and Lot, of the wife of Pharaoh, and the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, are set forth. The disbelievers are compared to the wives of Noah and Lot in order to show that the companionship of a righteous man, even of a Prophet of God, does not benefit an evilly minded person who is bent upon rejecting truth. Prophet Noah’s wife was of a more wicked disposition than the wife of Lot since the latter only preferred the company of her relatives to that of Lot, while Noah’s son, probably under the corrupting influence of his mother, had rejected his father’s Message. The wife of Pharaoh stands for those believers who, though passionately desiring and praying to get rid of sin, yet cannot fully dissociate themselves from evil influences, represented by Pharaoh, and having arrived at the stage of the self-accusing soul (النفس اللوامة ) sometimes fail and falter. Mary, the mother of Jesus, represents those righteous servants of God, who having closed all avenues of sin and having made peace with God, are blessed with Divine inspiration; the pronoun (masculine gender) in فیه standing for such fortunate believers. Or, the pronoun may stand for فرج which, literally meaning a cleft or fissure, signifies an opening through which sin can find access.
a
21:92.
3078
See 3078 under 66:11.