قَالَ أَبَشَّرْتُمُونِى عَلَىٰٓ أَن مَّسَّنِىَ ٱلْكِبَرُ فَبِمَ تُبَشِّرُونَ 54
Translations
He said, "Have you given me good tidings although old age has come upon me? Then of what [wonder] do you inform?"
Transliteration
Qāla abashartumūnī 'alā an massanīya al-kibaru fa-bima tubashirūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) expresses astonishment at the angels' glad tidings of a son, given his advanced age and his wife's barrenness. He questions what further good news they can bring beyond a child born to him in old age. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this reflects Ibrahim's wonder at the divine miracle rather than doubt, as he seeks clarification about the full scope of God's promise. Al-Qurtubi notes that Ibrahim's response demonstrates humility and recognition of God's power over seemingly impossible circumstances.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of the angels' visit to Ibrahim, a Meccan passage addressing the miracle of Ishaq's (Isaac's) birth. The context emphasizes Allah's power to grant children even in extraordinary circumstances, and serves to strengthen the hearts of believers in the possibility of divine intervention beyond natural laws. This narrative appears in Surah Al-Hijr to reinforce faith during the early Meccan period when believers faced persecution.
Related Hadiths
The hadith of 'Aishah in Sahih Muslim regarding the announcement of Ishaq's birth illustrates the joy and gratitude due when receiving good news from Allah. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari contains hadiths about Ibrahim's position as a messenger and the fulfillment of Allah's promise regarding his descendants.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that age, circumstances, and worldly limitations are no barrier to Allah's will and His promises. It encourages trust in divine capability while demonstrating that even the greatest prophets approached God's miracles with humility and awe, finding joy in the extraordinary manifestations of His power.