قَالُوا۟ لَا تَوْجَلْ إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَـٰمٍ عَلِيمٍ 53
Translations
[The angels] said, "Fear not. Indeed, we give you good tidings of a learned boy."
Transliteration
Qalū lā tawjal innā nubashshiruka bighulāmin 'alīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
The angels reassure Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) not to fear or grieve, and deliver the glad tidings of a knowledgeable son—referring to Prophet Ishmael (Ismail). According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this announcement brings comfort to Ibrahim and Sarah despite their advanced age, as it represents Allah's fulfillment of His promise and a test of their faith. The phrase 'alīm (knowledgeable) indicates not merely his birth, but his future distinction as a righteous and learned prophet.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of the angels' visit to Ibrahim to announce the birth of a son. The broader context of Surah Al-Hijr deals with Allah's signs and proofs, and this episode illustrates how Allah's promises are fulfilled despite apparent impossibilities. The revelation reassures believers about divine intervention in their affairs.
Related Hadiths
The account of this event is referenced in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim through the hadith about the angels' visit to Ibrahim, confirming the good tidings of Ishmael's birth and his role as a prophet. Additionally, Surah Maryam (19:49-50) elaborates on Ibrahim's righteous offspring and their continuation of prophethood.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's promises transcend human limitations and circumstances, and encourages trust in divine wisdom even when outcomes seem impossible. It reminds us that our role is to maintain faith and righteousness, while Allah's promise is certain to manifest in His perfect timing.
Related Ayahs
وَأَوْرَثْنَا ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَانُوا۟ يُسْتَضْعَفُونَ مَشَـٰرِقَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَغَـٰرِبَهَا ٱلَّتِى بَـٰرَكْنَا فِيهَا ۖ وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟ ۖ وَدَمَّرْنَا مَا كَانَ يَصْنَعُ فِرْعَوْنُ وَقَوْمُهُۥ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْرِشُونَ
And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word [i.e., decree] of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been building.
وَعَدَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَغَانِمَ كَثِيرَةً تَأْخُذُونَهَا فَعَجَّلَ لَكُمْ هَـٰذِهِۦ وَكَفَّ أَيْدِىَ ٱلنَّاسِ عَنكُمْ وَلِتَكُونَ ءَايَةً لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَيَهْدِيَكُمْ صِرَٰطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا
Allāh has promised you much booty that you will take [in the future] and has hastened for you this [victory] and withheld the hands of people from you - that it may be a sign for the believers and [that] He may guide you to a straight path.
ثُمَّ صَدَقْنَـٰهُمُ ٱلْوَعْدَ فَأَنجَيْنَـٰهُمْ وَمَن نَّشَآءُ وَأَهْلَكْنَا ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ
Then We fulfilled for them the promise, and We saved them and whom We willed and destroyed the transgressors.
وَنُمَكِّنَ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَنُرِىَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَهَـٰمَـٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَحْذَرُونَ
And establish them in the land and show Pharaoh and [his minister] Hāmān and their soldiers through them that which they had feared.