فَأَتَتْ بِهِۦ قَوْمَهَا تَحْمِلُهُۥ ۖ قَالُوا۟ يَـٰمَرْيَمُ لَقَدْ جِئْتِ شَيْـًٔا فَرِيًّا 27
Translations
Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, "O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented.
Transliteration
Fa-atat bihi qawmaha tahmiluh, qalü ya Maryamu laqad ji'ti shay'an fariyya
Tafsir (Explanation)
Maryam (Mary) brought her newborn son Isa (Jesus) to her people while carrying him, and they immediately accused her of committing an outrageous and unprecedented deed. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'shay'an fariyya' (something unprecedented/extraordinary) refers to their shock at her returning with a child despite her reputation for chastity and seclusion in worship, which made the matter seem impossible and scandalous in their eyes. This ayah depicts the critical moment when Maryam faces the judgment and accusations of her community regarding Jesus's birth without a father.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah Maryam, which details the miraculous birth of Isa (Jesus) in response to Maryam's prayer and the Angel Gabriel's announcement. The surah was revealed in Mecca during a period when the Quran was establishing the truth of Jesus's miraculous conception while affirming his humanity and prophethood. This specific ayah illustrates the social and familial crisis that followed Maryam's pregnancy, setting the stage for Jesus's miraculous vindication through speech in the cradle.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned Maryam as one of the best women of the world along with Khadijah, Fatimah, and Asiyah. Additionally, Tirmidhi records hadiths about the virtues of Maryam and her chastity, affirming the Quranic account of her righteousness despite accusations.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that righteous individuals may face severe social condemnation and false accusations, yet Allah ultimately vindicates the innocent; we should not judge others based on appearances or societal whispers, and should trust in Allah's justice even when facing seemingly impossible circumstances. It also demonstrates the importance of patience and faith during trials, as Maryam's vindication came through the miraculous speech of the infant Isa.