Surah Maryam — Verse 21

Word Meanings:

• "كَذَٰلِكِ" (Kathalik): Thus it is, or as such.
• "هَيِّنٌ" (Hayyin): Easy, simple, or effortless.
• "آيَةً" (Ayah): A sign, miracle, or evidence.
• "رَحْمَةً" (Rahmah): Mercy, compassion, or a blessing.
• "مَّقْضِيًّا" (Maqdiyyan): Decided, decreed, or predetermined.

Tafsir (Explanation):

When Maryam (peace be upon her) expressed her astonishment—how could she bear a child when no man had touched her and she was not unchaste—the angel Gabriel (peace be upon him) replied: "Thus it is." He affirmed her words, confirming that what she said was true, but then he revealed the divine decree: "Your Lord says: It is easy for Me." This is a profound declaration of Allah’s absolute power—He creates what He wills without any need for causes or means. Just as He created Adam without a father or mother, and Eve from a single soul, so too can He create Jesus (peace be upon him) without a father. For Allah, when He wills a thing, He merely says "Be," and it is.

The angel then explained the deeper wisdom behind this miraculous birth: "And to make him a sign for mankind and a mercy from Us." This child, Jesus, would not be an ordinary boy; he would be a living proof of Allah’s omnipotence, a miracle that would challenge the intellects of people and call them to reflect on the greatness of their Creator. His birth without a father would be a clear sign that Allah is not bound by the natural laws He Himself established—He is the Master of all causes and effects. Moreover, Jesus would be a mercy to humanity: he would call people to worship Allah alone, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, and raise the dead by Allah’s permission, all as acts of divine compassion and guidance.

Finally, the angel concluded: "And it is a matter already decreed." This means that the birth of Jesus was not an accident or a sudden event; it was written in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuth) from eternity. It was a divine command that had to come to pass, and nothing could prevent it. This reassures Maryam that what Allah has willed is inevitable, and she should trust in His plan with complete submission and peace of mind.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, ponder deeply on this verse. When Allah decrees something, no obstacle can stand in its way. Maryam was a young, chaste woman, alone and bewildered, yet Allah turned her situation into a miracle that would be remembered for all time. This teaches us that when we face what seems impossible, we must remember that Allah’s power transcends all limitations. He is the One who brings life from the womb of a virgin, light from darkness, and ease from hardship. So, turn to Him with a sincere heart, place your trust in Him, and know that His mercy is greater than any trial you face. The story of Maryam and Jesus is not just history—it is a living reminder that with Allah, nothing is impossible, and His mercy is always within reach for those who believe.