Surah Aal-Imran — Verse 36

Word Meanings:

• "Antha" (أنثى): Female.
• "Al-Rajeem" (الرَّجِيم): The one who is pelted and driven away from all that is good, or the one who is stoned with curses — meaning Satan, who is far removed from Allah's mercy.
• "U'eedhuha" (أُعِيذُهَا): I seek protection for her; I place her under Your safeguard and refuge.

Tafsir (Explanation):

When the wife of 'Imran had completed her pregnancy and gave birth to her child, she looked upon her newborn and, with a tone of apology and humility, said: "My Lord, I have given birth to a female" — for she had hoped and vowed to dedicate a male child to the service of Your Sacred House. Yet Allah, in His infinite knowledge, knew exactly what she had delivered, and His knowledge surpasses all expectations. Indeed, He had chosen this female child for a purpose far greater than any male could fulfill. She then added, acknowledging the difference: "And the male is not like the female" — for in her mind, the male was stronger and more capable of the physical duties of serving the temple, while the female might be hindered by her natural constitution. But Allah's wisdom overruled her limited perception.

She continued, saying: "And I have named her Maryam" — a name that would become honored and blessed throughout history, for no other woman in the entire Quran is mentioned by her own name except Maryam, the mother of 'Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him. Then, with a heart full of faith and reliance upon her Creator, she made a profound supplication: "And I seek refuge for her and her descendants with You from the accursed Satan" — meaning, I place her and her offspring under Your divine protection, O Lord, from the evil whispers, misguidance, and harm of the devil who has been expelled from Your mercy.

This heartfelt prayer was accepted by Allah, and it became a shield for Maryam and her son 'Isa, peace be upon them, protecting them from the touch of Satan — a unique honor granted to them as a sign of Allah's favor.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse carries a beautiful and timeless lesson for every believer. It teaches us that Allah's plans are always better than our own expectations. The mother of Maryam had hoped for a son, but Allah gave her a daughter — and through that daughter, He brought forth one of the greatest prophets, 'Isa, peace be upon him. Never underestimate what Allah can do with what you have, even if it seems small or weak in your eyes. A sincere intention, a devoted heart, and a prayer of protection can turn the most ordinary circumstances into extraordinary blessings.

Notice also the power of a mother's du'a. She did not merely name her child; she entrusted her child and her grandchildren to Allah. This is a call for every parent and guardian today: to make du'a for your children, to seek Allah's protection for them from every evil — visible and invisible — and to raise them with the consciousness that their ultimate refuge is in Allah alone. When you place your trust in Him, He will never abandon you or your loved ones. And remember, the greatest honor is not in gender, status, or strength, but in piety and devotion to Allah, for He chooses whom He wills for His mercy, and His wisdom surpasses all human reasoning.