Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Then his wife came forward with a loud voice: she smote her face, and said: "A barren old woman!"
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
فَأَقْبَلَتِfa-aqbalatiThen came forward
ٱمْرَأَتُهُۥim'ra-atuhuhis wife
فِىfīwith
صَرَّةٍۢṣarratina loud voice
فَصَكَّتْfaṣakkatand struck
وَجْهَهَاwajhahāher face
وَقَالَتْwaqālatand she said
عَجُوزٌʿajūzunAn old woman
عَقِيمٌۭʿaqīmunbarren
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 29) ➊ { فَاَقْبَلَتِامْرَاَتُهٗفِيْصَرَّةٍ …:’’ صَرَّةٍ ‘‘} A cry, scream. {’’صَرَّيَصُرُّ‘‘ (ن) ’’صَرِيْرُالْقَلَمِ‘‘} (the sound of a pen) and {’’صَرِيْرُالْبَابِ‘‘ } (the sound of a door) are also derived from this. In {’’ صَرَّةٍ ‘‘}, the tanween is for magnification: {’’أَيْصَيْحَةٌعَظِيْمَةٌوَرَنَّةٌ۔‘‘} Ibn Kathir said: By {’’ صَرَّةٍ ‘‘} is meant her saying {’’ يٰوَيْلَتٰۤي ‘‘}, which is mentioned in Surah Hud (72); here, her statement is mentioned briefly. {’’ عَجُوْزٌعَقِيْمٌ ‘‘ ’’أَيْأَنَاعَجُوْزٌعَقِيْمٌ‘‘} That is, upon hearing this glad tiding, considering her age, she came to the angels, overwhelmed with astonishment and joy, screaming involuntarily. ➋ { فَصَكَّتْوَجْهَهَا: ’’صَكَّيَصُكُّصَكًّا‘‘} (n) To strike the face forcefully, as women do at times of astonishment. That is, out of astonishment, she struck her face and said that she is old, barren from the age of youth, so how could she possibly bear a child now. ➌ Some people have deduced from this evidence for mourning and chest-beating, but they have not considered whether mourning is done even upon receiving glad tidings!
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.
29. 1. The other meaning of صرۃ is shouting and crying out, that is, to say while shouting.
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.
Then his wife approached with a cry, struck her face, and said, "A barren old woman [23]?"
[23] The Glad Tidings of Ishaq to Sayyiduna Ibrahim:
When the angels gave the glad tidings of Sayyiduna Ishaq, his fear departed. However, his wife came forward and, striking her hand on her forehead in astonishment, said, "How can this be? I am barren; I did not have children even in my youth, and now I have become old. How can this happen now?"