Surah Al-Hijr — Verse 53

Word Meanings:

• لَا تَوْجَلْ (lā tawjal): Do not be afraid or alarmed; do not feel fear.
• نُبَشِّرُكَ (nubashshiruka): We give you glad tidings; we bring you joyful news.
• بِغُلَامٍ عَلِيمٍ (bi-ghulāmin ʿalīm): Of a boy (son) who is learned, possessing deep knowledge.

Explanation of the Verse:

When the angels came to Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) in the form of honorable guests, he hurried to serve them and prepared a roasted calf for them. But when he noticed that they did not eat, a feeling of fear crept into his heart. Seeing his apprehension, the angels immediately reassured him, saying: "Do not be afraid, O Ibrahim. We are not here for any harm. Rather, we have come to bring you the most joyful of tidings — the news of a son who will be endowed with great knowledge and wisdom."

This son was Ishaq (Isaac), peace be upon him, who would grow to be a prophet of Allah, deeply knowledgeable in the religion and wise in his mature years. The angels emphasized the quality of knowledge in this glad tiding because it was a sign of the great status this child would attain — not merely a worldly blessing, but a spiritual and intellectual one that would carry the legacy of prophethood.

Reflection and Daʿwah:

This verse teaches us a profound lesson about the nature of divine mercy. When Allah sends relief, it comes swiftly and completely, replacing fear with tranquility and despair with hope. Prophet Ibrahim was an elderly man, and his wife was barren, yet the angels announced a son — because when Allah wills a matter, no obstacle can stand in its way. This is a reminder for every believer: no matter how impossible a situation may seem, Allah's power transcends all causes and means. Trust in Him, and He will bring forth blessings from where you least expect. The glad tiding was not just about a child, but about a child of knowledge — showing us the immense value of knowledge in Islam. A righteous, learned offspring is among the greatest gifts a parent can receive, and raising children upon knowledge and faith is a legacy that continues to benefit even after death. Let this verse inspire you to seek knowledge for yourself and your family, and to always remain hopeful in Allah's mercy, for His glad tidings never fail.