سُوْرَةُ اٰلِ عِمْرٰنَ
Surah Aal-i-Imraan (3) — Ayah 45
إِذْ قَالَتِ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَـٰمَرْيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ ٱسْمُهُ ٱلْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَجِيهًا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَمِنَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ ﴿45﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
(Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allâh gives you the glad tidings of a Word ["Be!" - and he was! i.e. ‘Îsâ (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah ‘Îsâ (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allâh."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
إِذْ
idh
When
قَالَتِ
qālati
said
ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ
l-malāikatu
the Angels
يَـٰمَرْيَمُ
yāmaryamu
O Maryam
إِنَّ
inna
Indeed
ٱللَّهَ
l-laha
Allah
يُبَشِّرُكِ
yubashiruki
gives you glad tidings
بِكَلِمَةٍۢ
bikalimatin
of a word
مِّنْهُ
min'hu
from Him
ٱسْمُهُ
us'muhu
his name
ٱلْمَسِيحُ
l-masīḥu
(is) the Messiah
عِيسَى
ʿīsā
Isa
ٱبْنُ
ub'nu
son
مَرْيَمَ
maryama
(of) Maryam
وَجِيهًۭا
wajīhan
honored
فِى
fī
in
ٱلدُّنْيَا
l-dun'yā
the world
وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ
wal-ākhirati
and (in) the Hereafter
وَمِنَ
wamina
and of
ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ
l-muqarabīna
those brought near (to Allah)
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 46,45) ➊ {اِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلٰٓىِٕكَةُ يٰمَرْيَمُ......:} In this verse, Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام has been described as a word from Allah Ta'ala; its explanation has already been mentioned in the benefits of verse (38). The angels spoke to Maryam عليها السلام directly, as in Surah Maryam (17), where Jibril عليه السلام spoke to her in human form. {’’ الْمَسِيْحُ ‘‘} is derived from { ’’ مَسَحَ ‘‘}, which means to pass the hand over or to measure the land. Therefore, Isa عليه السلام is called Masih either because he used to pass his hand over the sick and they would become healthy, or because he used to travel the land all the time. (Ibn Kathir)
➋ Here, four attributes of Masih عليه السلام have been mentioned: (1) { ’’ وَجِيْهًا ‘‘ } meaning he will be very eminent. The face is the mirror of a person’s being, so a high status is called eminence. (2) He will be among those who are brought near. (3) He will speak wisely both in the cradle and in mature age. His speech in the cradle is mentioned in Surah Maryam (30 to 33), and his speaking in mature age also hints at his second coming. (4) He will be among the righteous. A righteous person is one whose all deeds are correct, which is why a great prophet like Sulaiman عليه السلام prayed to be included among the righteous servants. See Surah Yusuf (101) and Surah Naml (19).
➋ Here, four attributes of Masih عليه السلام have been mentioned: (1) { ’’ وَجِيْهًا ‘‘ } meaning he will be very eminent. The face is the mirror of a person’s being, so a high status is called eminence. (2) He will be among those who are brought near. (3) He will speak wisely both in the cradle and in mature age. His speech in the cradle is mentioned in Surah Maryam (30 to 33), and his speaking in mature age also hints at his second coming. (4) He will be among the righteous. A righteous person is one whose all deeds are correct, which is why a great prophet like Sulaiman عليه السلام prayed to be included among the righteous servants. See Surah Yusuf (101) and Surah Naml (19).
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
45. 1 Ḥaḍrat ʿĪsā (peace be upon him) is called "Kalima," that is, "Kalimatullāh," in the sense that his birth was a manifestation of miraculous nature and, contrary to the general human principle, occurred without a father, and is a creation of Allah's special power through His word "Kun."
45. 2 Masīḥ is from "masḥ," meaning one who travels extensively on the earth, or it means "one who passes his hand," because he used to heal the sick by passing his hand over them by Allah's permission. In both these senses, "faʿīl" is in the meaning of "fāʿil." As for the Dajjāl who will appear near the Day of Judgment and is also called Masīḥ, it is either in the sense of "mafʿūl" (i.e., his one eye will be defective), or because he too will travel extensively in the world and will reach everywhere except Makkah and Madinah (Bukhārī, Muslim), and in some narrations, Bayt al-Maqdis is also mentioned, therefore he is also called "al-Masīḥ al-Dajjāl." The general scholars of tafsir have usually recorded this. Some other researchers say that "Masīḥ" in the terminology of Jews and Christians refers to a great messenger appointed by Allah, i.e., their term is almost synonymous with "Ulul-ʿAzm" messenger. Dajjāl is called Masīḥ because the Jews were given the glad tidings of a revolutionary Masīḥ, and whom they are still wrongly awaiting; Dajjāl will come in the name of that Masīḥ, i.e., he will declare himself to be that very Masīḥ, but he will be such a great embodiment of deception and fraud in all his claims that there will be no example of him among the first and the last, therefore he will be called "al-Dajjāl." And ʿĪsā is a non-Arabic word. According to some, it is Arabic and derived from "ʿās, yaʿūs," which means politics and leadership. (Qurṭubī and Fatḥ al-Qadīr)
45. 2 Masīḥ is from "masḥ," meaning one who travels extensively on the earth, or it means "one who passes his hand," because he used to heal the sick by passing his hand over them by Allah's permission. In both these senses, "faʿīl" is in the meaning of "fāʿil." As for the Dajjāl who will appear near the Day of Judgment and is also called Masīḥ, it is either in the sense of "mafʿūl" (i.e., his one eye will be defective), or because he too will travel extensively in the world and will reach everywhere except Makkah and Madinah (Bukhārī, Muslim), and in some narrations, Bayt al-Maqdis is also mentioned, therefore he is also called "al-Masīḥ al-Dajjāl." The general scholars of tafsir have usually recorded this. Some other researchers say that "Masīḥ" in the terminology of Jews and Christians refers to a great messenger appointed by Allah, i.e., their term is almost synonymous with "Ulul-ʿAzm" messenger. Dajjāl is called Masīḥ because the Jews were given the glad tidings of a revolutionary Masīḥ, and whom they are still wrongly awaiting; Dajjāl will come in the name of that Masīḥ, i.e., he will declare himself to be that very Masīḥ, but he will be such a great embodiment of deception and fraud in all his claims that there will be no example of him among the first and the last, therefore he will be called "al-Dajjāl." And ʿĪsā is a non-Arabic word. According to some, it is Arabic and derived from "ʿās, yaʿūs," which means politics and leadership. (Qurṭubī and Fatḥ al-Qadīr)
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
45. And when the angels said, "Maryam! Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be the Messiah, ‘Isa [46] son of Maryam, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and among those brought near to Allah."
[46] The Second Dialogue of the Angels with Lady Maryam
This is the second dialogue of the angels with Lady Maryam (Mary) ؑ, and from here begins the account of the birth of Jesus ؑ without a father. The earlier mention of the extraordinary birth of Yahya (John) ؑ served as a prelude. In that incident, the means were present, and it was extraordinary only in the sense that the effectiveness of those means had ceased, and Allah Almighty restored their effectiveness anew. But the birth of Jesus ؑ is an even greater extraordinary event, because here the father does not exist at all. In this dialogue, when the angels gave Lady Maryam ؑ the glad tidings of the birth of her son, the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, and described his attributes, she was startled and wondered how this could be possible when no man had touched her. Allah Almighty replied that He can create whatever and however He wills. He has complete power to create anything without means. And the attributes that the angels described to Lady Maryam ؑ were as follows:
(1)
The Attributes and Qualities of Sayyiduna Isa (Jesus) ؑ:
That boy will be born without a father by the word "Kun" (Be) of Allah Almighty.
(2) His full name will be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary. "Messiah" is his title, and two explanations have been given for it. One is that in the Temple of Solomon, it was customary that whoever they considered noble and pious, the priest would anoint him with olive oil and rub it on his body. In this sense, he became known as the Messiah. The second reason is that he spent his entire life traveling and fulfilling the duty of prophethood, and in this sense, he was also called the Messiah. "Isa" is his actual name, and "son of Mary" is not only his epithet but also his lineage. Since he was born without a father, he was attributed to his mother, and this is the greatest proof of his being born without a father. Because in the Noble Quran, Allah Almighty has not described the lineage of any man or woman in this manner, whereas with Jesus ؑ, the mention of "son of Mary" appears in dozens of places.
(3) The third attribute is that he will be (wajeeh) or a dignified personality in both this world and the Hereafter. "Wajeeh" is a person whose awe and dignity prevent anyone from taunting him face to face. Thus, the Jews would, God forbid, call him illegitimate behind his back, but they never had the courage or audacity to say so to his face.
(4) The fourth attribute is that he will be among Allah's close servants in this world and in the Hereafter. The fifth attribute is that he will speak maturely in the days of infancy, and the sixth attribute is his righteousness, which is mentioned in the next verse. These were the attributes that the angels mentioned to Lady Maryam ؑ even before the birth of Jesus. After mentioning the birth of Yahya, Allah Almighty said:
﴿ كَذٰلِكَ اللّٰهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَاءُ﴾
And after mentioning the birth of Jesus ؑ:
﴿ كَذٰلِكِ اللّٰهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ﴾
which is clear evidence that the birth of Jesus ؑ was without a father, and this miracle was much greater than the miracle of the birth of Yahya. Its detailed account is coming ahead in Surah Maryam.
[46] The Second Dialogue of the Angels with Lady Maryam
This is the second dialogue of the angels with Lady Maryam (Mary) ؑ, and from here begins the account of the birth of Jesus ؑ without a father. The earlier mention of the extraordinary birth of Yahya (John) ؑ served as a prelude. In that incident, the means were present, and it was extraordinary only in the sense that the effectiveness of those means had ceased, and Allah Almighty restored their effectiveness anew. But the birth of Jesus ؑ is an even greater extraordinary event, because here the father does not exist at all. In this dialogue, when the angels gave Lady Maryam ؑ the glad tidings of the birth of her son, the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, and described his attributes, she was startled and wondered how this could be possible when no man had touched her. Allah Almighty replied that He can create whatever and however He wills. He has complete power to create anything without means. And the attributes that the angels described to Lady Maryam ؑ were as follows:
(1)
The Attributes and Qualities of Sayyiduna Isa (Jesus) ؑ:
That boy will be born without a father by the word "Kun" (Be) of Allah Almighty.
(2) His full name will be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary. "Messiah" is his title, and two explanations have been given for it. One is that in the Temple of Solomon, it was customary that whoever they considered noble and pious, the priest would anoint him with olive oil and rub it on his body. In this sense, he became known as the Messiah. The second reason is that he spent his entire life traveling and fulfilling the duty of prophethood, and in this sense, he was also called the Messiah. "Isa" is his actual name, and "son of Mary" is not only his epithet but also his lineage. Since he was born without a father, he was attributed to his mother, and this is the greatest proof of his being born without a father. Because in the Noble Quran, Allah Almighty has not described the lineage of any man or woman in this manner, whereas with Jesus ؑ, the mention of "son of Mary" appears in dozens of places.
(3) The third attribute is that he will be (wajeeh) or a dignified personality in both this world and the Hereafter. "Wajeeh" is a person whose awe and dignity prevent anyone from taunting him face to face. Thus, the Jews would, God forbid, call him illegitimate behind his back, but they never had the courage or audacity to say so to his face.
(4) The fourth attribute is that he will be among Allah's close servants in this world and in the Hereafter. The fifth attribute is that he will speak maturely in the days of infancy, and the sixth attribute is his righteousness, which is mentioned in the next verse. These were the attributes that the angels mentioned to Lady Maryam ؑ even before the birth of Jesus. After mentioning the birth of Yahya, Allah Almighty said:
﴿ كَذٰلِكَ اللّٰهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَاءُ﴾
And after mentioning the birth of Jesus ؑ:
﴿ كَذٰلِكِ اللّٰهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ﴾
which is clear evidence that the birth of Jesus ؑ was without a father, and this miracle was much greater than the miracle of the birth of Yahya. Its detailed account is coming ahead in Surah Maryam.
