Surah Maryam — Verse 11

Word Meanings:

• Al-Mihrab: The place of prayer, specifically the sanctuary or prayer niche where Zakariyyah (peace be upon him) used to worship and where he received the glad tidings of a son.
• Fa-awḥā: He signaled or gestured, not by spoken words but by a clear indication (with his hand or finger).
• Sabbiḥū: Glorify and exalt Allah, which includes prayer and remembrance.
• Bukratan wa ʿashiyyan: In the early morning and in the evening — i.e., at the two ends of the day.

Explanation of the Verse:

After Zakariyyah (peace be upon him) received the extraordinary news that Allah had answered his supplication and granted him a son — despite his old age and his wife’s barrenness — his heart was filled with overwhelming gratitude and awe. He could not contain this immense joy and thankfulness. So, he came out from his place of worship (the mihrab) to his people, who were waiting for him to lead them in prayer.

When they saw him, they noticed a remarkable change in his appearance and demeanor, and they were surprised. But Zakariyyah, by the will of Allah, was unable to speak for three days as a sign of this miracle. So, he communicated with them through gestures and signals, instructing them: "Glorify Allah in the morning and in the evening."

This was not merely a casual reminder — it was a call to worship and gratitude. He was teaching his people that the proper response to Allah’s blessings is constant praise and devotion. He urged them to fill their mornings and evenings with the remembrance of Allah, acknowledging His power and thanking Him for His favors.

This verse beautifully illustrates that when a believer receives a blessing from Allah, the most fitting response is not boastfulness or pride, but humility and increased worship. Zakariyyah, despite being a prophet and a man of great station, immediately turned to Allah in gratitude and encouraged his community to do the same.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, ponder over this scene: an elderly prophet, who had spent his entire life in devotion, receives the answer to his heartfelt supplication. And what does he do? He does not rush to announce the news with worldly excitement. Instead, he emerges and calls his people to glorify Allah — morning and evening.

This is the hallmark of true faith: every blessing, whether great or small, becomes a reason to draw closer to Allah, not to drift away from Him. How often do we receive blessings and forget the Giver? How often do we celebrate our successes without pausing to thank the One who made them possible?

Let this verse inspire you to make the remembrance of Allah a constant companion — in the early morning when the day begins, and in the evening when it draws to a close. For in that remembrance lies true peace, true success, and true gratitude. And know that when you thank Allah, He promises to increase you in His favors. So, let your tongue be moist with His praise, and your heart filled with His love — for that is the path of the prophets and the righteous.