وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ مَرْيَمَ إِذِ ٱنتَبَذَتْ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا مَكَانًا شَرْقِيًّا 16
Translations
And mention, [O Muḥammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east.
Transliteration
Wa-dhkur fil-kitābi Maryama idhi-ntabazat min ahlihā makānan sharqiyyā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah begins the detailed narrative of Mary (Maryam), commanding the Prophet Muhammad to mention her story in the Quran. Mary withdrew to an eastern place away from her family, which classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret as her seeking seclusion for worship and prayer. The mention of 'eastern' (sharqiyyah) emphasizes her deliberate separation and the sacred direction associated with prayer and devotion in Islamic tradition.
Revelation Context
This ayah initiates Surah Maryam's primary narrative, which was revealed in Mecca during a period when the disbelievers were challenging the Prophet's message. The surah addresses the reality of Jesus's miraculous birth through Mary, countering pagan misconceptions and affirming the monotheistic narrative of Mary's righteousness and chastity.
Related Hadiths
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet Muhammad said Mary was one of the best women among the people of her time (Sahih Bukhari 3769). Additionally, the Prophet mentioned that the best women are Khadijah, Fatimah, Maryam, and Asiyah (Tirmidhi 3878).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that sincere devotion to Allah often requires intentional withdrawal from worldly distractions to focus on worship and spiritual growth. Mary's example demonstrates that seeking solitude for prayer and remembrance of Allah is a noble and praiseworthy act that strengthens one's relationship with the Divine.