قَالَتْ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِى غُلَـٰمٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِى بَشَرٌ وَلَمْ أَكُ بَغِيًّا 20
Translations
She said, "How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?"
Transliteration
Qalat anna yakunu li ghulam wa lam yamasni bashar wa lamaku baghiyya
Tafsir (Explanation)
Maryam (Mary) expresses her astonishment at the angel's announcement of a son, questioning how this could be possible given that no man has touched her and she is not unchaste. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, her question reflects bewilderment at the biological impossibility of conception without a father, not disbelief in divine power. This statement emphasizes her virtue and innocence, establishing the miraculous nature of 'Isa's (Jesus) birth as a sign from Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Maryam's account of the Annunciation, when the angel Jibril (Gabriel) informs Maryam of the coming birth of 'Isa. The surah, revealed in Mecca, addresses the disbelief of the Quraysh regarding the miraculous nature of Jesus's conception and birth. This specific verse contextualizes Maryam's concern within the natural order of creation while preparing the reader for the divine explanation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned in multiple hadiths that Maryam was one of the best women. In Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet stated: 'The best women of the world are: Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad, Maryam bint 'Imran, and Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh.' This hadith affirms her exceptional virtue alluded to in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that questioning the 'how' of divine miracles, when rooted in genuine seeking of understanding rather than arrogant rejection, is a sign of contemplation. Additionally, it reminds us that virtue and honor can be affirmed through our conduct and character, and that accusations against the righteous will be refuted by truth.