Surah Maryam — Verse 29

Word Meanings:

• أشارت (Ashārat): She pointed or gestured with her hand.
• المهد (Al-Mahd): The cradle or the place where an infant is laid; here, it refers to the cradle of baby Jesus.
• صبياً (Sabi-yyan): A young child, specifically an infant still nursing.

Explanation of the Verse:

After Mary, peace be upon her, gave birth to Jesus, peace be upon him, and returned to her people carrying the child, they confronted her with severe accusations regarding her chastity. In response, she did not speak a single word in her own defense. Instead, she pointed to the infant Jesus, indicating that they should speak to him and ask him. This gesture was a profound act of trust in Allah’s power and a sign of the miracle that was about to unfold.

Her people, however, were utterly astonished and responded with disbelief and mockery, saying: "How can we speak to a child who is still in the cradle, an infant nursing at his mother’s breast?" They saw this as an absurdity, even a form of mockery on Mary’s part, for they could not fathom that Allah would make a newborn speak. Their question was not one of genuine inquiry but of rejection and ridicule, as they failed to grasp the divine power that transcends all natural laws.

This moment highlights the greatness of Mary’s faith and her complete submission to Allah’s will. She did not argue or defend herself with words, but rather left the matter entirely to Allah, who then performed a miraculous sign: the infant Jesus spoke, declaring his prophethood and his mother’s innocence. This teaches us that when we place our full trust in Allah, He can open doors of relief and vindication in ways we could never imagine. For the believers, this story is a powerful reminder that Allah’s power is limitless, and His help comes to those who are patient and sincere, even in the most impossible situations.