إِذْ قَالَتِ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَـٰمَرْيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ ٱسْمُهُ ٱلْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَجِيهًا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَمِنَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ 45
Translations
[And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allāh gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allāh].
Transliteration
Idh qaalat al-mala'ikatu ya Maryamu inna Allaha yubashshiruki bikalimatin minhu ismuhu al-Masih 'Isa ibnu Maryam wajihan fi ad-dunya wa-al-akhirah wa-mina al-muqarrabin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records the angel's announcement to Mary of the miraculous birth of Jesus ('Isa), describing him as 'a Word from Allah' (Kalimah minhu), emphasizing his divine origin and unique status. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that Jesus is called 'the Messiah' and will be honored and respected (wajihan) in both this world and the Hereafter, while maintaining that he is a servant and messenger of Allah, not divine. The phrase 'from the drawn near' (min al-muqarrabin) indicates his elevated rank among the angels and the righteous.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the story of Mary (Surah Ali 'Imran, verses 35-47), which was revealed in Medina. It provides the Quranic account of the Annunciation, affirming the virgin birth of Jesus while clarifying his nature as a created being sent by Allah. The context addresses theological misconceptions about Jesus prevalent among some Christian communities of 7th century Arabia.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Muslim (2286) where the Prophet Muhammad said Jesus will descend and judge by the law of Islam. Also relevant: The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3445) regarding Jesus being a sign and messenger of Allah, not divine.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize and respect the special status of prophets as honored servants of Allah while maintaining strict monotheism (Tawhid). It reminds us that extraordinary miracles (like the virgin birth) demonstrate Allah's absolute power and serve as signs to guide humanity toward faith.