Surah Maryam — Verse 6

Word Meanings:

• "Yarithuni" – inherits from me (in knowledge and prophethood).
• "Yarithu min Aali Ya'qub" – inherits from the family of Jacob (in prophethood and righteous kingship).
• "Radhiyyan" – pleasing, content, and acceptable in character, deeds, and faith.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This is part of the heartfelt supplication of Prophet Zakariyyah (peace be upon him), an elderly man who had grown old and whose bones had weakened, yet his longing for a righteous successor burned within him. He did not ask for wealth or worldly power; rather, he asked Allah for a child who would carry the torch of faith after him. The verse reveals the depth of his request: he sought a son who would inherit prophethood and sacred knowledge from him, and also inherit from the noble line of Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob) – a legacy of divine guidance, wisdom, and righteous leadership. This was not a request for material inheritance, but for a spiritual and intellectual legacy that would continue to guide humanity toward Allah.

Zakariyyah then adds a beautiful and profound plea: "And make him, my Lord, pleasing (Radhiyyan)." He did not merely ask for a child who would be smart or successful in worldly terms; he asked for a child who would be pleasing to Allah – one whose heart is content with Allah's decree, whose actions reflect piety, whose character is noble, and whose knowledge is coupled with humility and devotion. This is the ultimate goal for every believer: to be someone who brings joy to Allah and to His righteous servants.

This verse teaches us a timeless lesson about the priorities of a true believer. When we ask Allah for anything – whether it be children, wealth, or success – we should first and foremost ask that it be a means of drawing us closer to Him. A child who prays, who is kind, who seeks knowledge for the sake of Allah, and who serves humanity is a treasure far greater than any material inheritance. The legacy we leave behind is not measured by what we accumulate, but by the righteous seeds we plant for the future.

Beloved reader, let this supplication inspire you. When you pray for your children or for yourself, ask Allah to make you and them "Radhiyyan" – pleasing to Him in every aspect of life. Such a prayer opens doors of barakah (blessing) that no worldly wealth can match. And remember, the greatest inheritance is not gold or land, but faith and righteous character that continues to benefit others long after we are gone. May Allah grant us all the honor of being pleasing to Him, and may He bless us with righteous offspring who carry the light of guidance in this world and the next. Ameen.