فَأَجَآءَهَا ٱلْمَخَاضُ إِلَىٰ جِذْعِ ٱلنَّخْلَةِ قَالَتْ يَـٰلَيْتَنِى مِتُّ قَبْلَ هَـٰذَا وَكُنتُ نَسْيًا مَّنسِيًّا 23
Translations
And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten."
Transliteration
Fa-ajaa'aha al-mikhadu ila jidhi'i an-nakhilah qalat ya layitani mittoo qabla hadha wa kuntu nasyan mansiyan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the onset of labor pains for Maryam (Mary) as she leaned against the trunk of a palm tree, during which she expressed such distress that she wished she had died before this moment and been completely forgotten. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, her words reflect the intensity of her suffering and her anxiety about the trials she would face as an unmarried mother, though classical scholars note this wish was not one of disbelief but rather human expression of pain. The mention of the palm tree is significant as it later becomes a source of sustenance (fresh dates and water), demonstrating divine provision during her tribulation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Maryam's miraculous pregnancy and the birth of 'Isa (Jesus), revealed in Mecca. The surah details her spiritual journey from receiving the news of pregnancy to the actual birth, presenting her as one of the highest-ranking women in Islam and exemplifying patience and faith through trials.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported in Sahih Bukhari to have said that the best women are Khadijah, Fatimah, Maryam, and Asiyah. Additionally, Tirmidhi records the Prophet's emphasis on Maryam's virtue and her preservation from evil.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that experiencing fear, pain, and emotional distress during trials does not diminish one's faith; rather, it demonstrates authentic humanity while maintaining trust in Allah. Maryam's struggle reminds believers that spiritual strength coexists with genuine human vulnerability, and that Allah provides comfort and provision even in our darkest moments.