قَالُوا۟ بَشَّرْنَـٰكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ فَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ ٱلْقَـٰنِطِينَ 55
Translations
They said, "We have given you good tidings in truth, so do not be of the despairing."
Transliteration
Qālū bashsharnāka bil-haqqi falā takun minal-qānitīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The angels respond to Prophet Ibrahim's despair about his childlessness by reassuring him that they bring him glad tidings of the truth—the birth of a son (Ishmael). They command him not to lose hope or fall into despair (qanut), emphasizing that Allah's promise is certain and that doubt is unbecoming of faith. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this ayah teaches believers to maintain trust in Allah's promises despite apparent delays, as the angels are correcting Ibrahim's momentary loss of hope with divine certainty.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of the angels' visit to Prophet Ibrahim to announce the birth of his son. It follows Ibrahim's initial anxiety about his advanced age and his wife Sarah's barrenness. The passage demonstrates how divine messengers respond to human vulnerability with reassurance grounded in Allah's absolute power and truthfulness.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3361) regarding Ibrahim's supplication for children and Allah's response illustrates the broader theme of patience and trust in divine promises. Additionally, the Quranic narrative of Ibrahim's faith (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:72) reinforces the theme of hope despite apparent impossibility.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that moments of doubt and despair are human, but should be countered with remembrance of Allah's absolute truthfulness and power—His promises always materialize regardless of worldly circumstances. For modern readers, it emphasizes that patience and faith during trials are acts of spiritual strength, not weakness.