وَٱلسَّلَـٰمُ عَلَىَّ يَوْمَ وُلِدتُّ وَيَوْمَ أَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ أُبْعَثُ حَيًّا 33
Translations
And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive."
Transliteration
Wa-assalāmu `alayya yawma wulIdtu wa-yawma amūtu wa-yawma ub`athu ḥayya
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records the words of Prophet Jesus (`Alayhi al-Salam), affirming that peace and blessings be upon him on three significant days: the day of his birth, the day of his death, and the day of his resurrection. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as Jesus's proclamation of his innocence from the false accusations of his people and his confirmation of monotheism throughout his life, death, and return. The mention of these three days emphasizes the complete sanctity of his life and vindication in all states.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Maryam, which details the miraculous birth of Jesus and his role as a sign and messenger. The context is Jesus speaking while in the cradle as an infant (per verse 19:30), demonstrating his prophethood and purity from the moment of birth. This passage refutes Christian and Jewish misconceptions about Jesus prevalent in Mecca during the revelation period.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said regarding Jesus: 'None of the prophets will have two deaths. Jesus will surely die' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the Qur'an in 3:55 confirms: 'Indeed, I will cause you to die and raise you to Myself'—directly addressing Jesus's death and resurrection.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that true peace (salaam) comes from steadfast faith in Allah and truthfulness across all stages of life—birth, life, and death. For believers, it inspires confidence that righteousness is vindicated not only in this world but ultimately in the eternal life to come.