Surah Maryam — Verse 88

Word Meanings:

• اتَّخَذَ (Ittakhadha): Took, adopted, or claimed — implying an invention and fabrication, not a reality.
• الرَّحْمَٰن (Ar-Rahman): The Most Merciful — one of Allah’s most majestic names, emphasizing His all-encompassing mercy.
• وَلَدًا (Waladan): A son or offspring — a concept utterly incompatible with Allah’s perfection and uniqueness.

Explanation of the Verse:

In this verse, Allah informs us of a grave and false claim made by certain groups among the Jews, the Christians, and some polytheists of Arabia. They said: “The Most Merciful has taken a son.” The Jews claimed that Ezra was the son of God, the Christians claimed that Jesus (peace be upon him) was the son of God, and some Arab pagans claimed that the angels were daughters of God.

This statement reflects a profound misunderstanding of Allah’s nature. Ar-Rahman — the Most Merciful — is far above needing a child. A son is needed for continuation, support, or inheritance, but Allah is Eternal, Self-Sufficient, and the Creator of all things. He does not beget, nor is He begotten, and there is nothing comparable to Him. The claim of a son diminishes the absolute oneness and majesty of Allah, reducing Him to the level of His creation, which is the greatest injustice and falsehood.

This verse serves as a stern introduction to the verses that follow, where Allah declares the heavens almost split, the earth nearly cracks, and the mountains almost fall in horror at this monstrous claim — a testament to how detestable this statement is in the sight of Allah and the entire universe.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear reader, ponder the greatness of this verse. The One who is called Ar-Rahman — whose mercy encompasses everything in existence — how could He, in His perfection, take a son? Mercy and fatherhood are worlds apart. The claim of a son for Allah is not merely an error; it is a denial of His very essence as the Unique, the Eternal, the Absolute.

Islam invites you to a pure and untainted belief: worship Allah alone, without partners, without equals, and without offspring. This is the natural disposition (fitrah) upon which every human being is created. When you free your heart from such false claims and submit to the oneness of Allah, you find peace, purpose, and a direct connection to your Creator — no intermediaries, no mysteries, no contradictions.

The Qur’an repeatedly calls you to this truth with love and wisdom. So open your heart, reflect on these words, and let the light of tawheed (monotheism) illuminate your soul. Indeed, the path to true success lies in recognizing Allah as He truly is — the One who is far above every imperfection, the Most Merciful, the Most High.