ذِكْرُ رَحْمَتِ رَبِّكَ عَبْدَهُۥ زَكَرِيَّآ 2
Translations
[This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zechariah
Transliteration
Dhikru rahmatir rabbika abdahu Zakariyyah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah announces the mention (account) of Allah's mercy toward His servant Zachariah, introducing the narrative of how Allah blessed him with a son in his old age despite his wife's barrenness. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this ayah serves as a prelude to the miraculous story of Yahya's birth, demonstrating Allah's boundless mercy to those who call upon Him with sincere devotion. The word 'dhikr' (mention/remembrance) indicates that what follows is a detailed account worthy of reflection and contemplation.
Revelation Context
Surah Maryam is a Meccan chapter revealed during the early period of Islam, and this opening ayah begins the thematic sequence of stories about righteous servants and divine mercy. The narrative of Zachariah serves as contextual prelude to the greater miracle of Mary's conception of Jesus, establishing a pattern of Allah's mercy transcending human limitations and natural laws.
Related Hadiths
The story of Zachariah is referenced in the hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned the righteous servants of Allah. Additionally, in Sahih Bukhari, there are hadiths emphasizing the virtue of supplication (dua) and trust in Allah, which Zachariah exemplified in this narrative.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's mercy is ever-present and responsive to sincere, heartfelt supplications, regardless of one's circumstances or perceived impossibilities. It encourages trust in Allah's power and compassion, reminding us that what seems impossible to humans is entirely within Allah's capability.