Surah Aal-Imran — Verse 40

Key Words and Phrases:

• "أَنَّى" (Anna): How, or from where — expressing wonder and astonishment.
• "بَلَغَنِيَ الْكِبَرُ" (Balaghaniya al-Kibar): Old age has reached me and taken its full effect on my body and bones.
• "عَاقِرٌ" ('Aqir): Barren, infertile — a woman who cannot bear children.

Explanation of the Verse:

When the angels gave Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) the glad tidings of a son named Yahya, his heart was filled with both joy and amazement. He turned to his Lord in humble supplication, saying: *"My Lord, how can I have a son when old age has fully overtaken me — my bones have weakened, my hair has turned grey, and my strength has declined — and my wife is barren, unable to conceive?"*

This was not a question of doubt or disbelief, but rather an expression of human wonder and a deep desire to understand the wisdom behind such an extraordinary promise. It was the natural reaction of a man who knew the laws of nature and could not see any physical means for this miracle to occur.

The answer came swiftly and decisively from Allah: *"Thus Allah does what He wills."* Meaning: Just as He created Adam without a father, and created the universe from nothing, so too does He create a child from an aged father and a barren mother. This is not difficult for Him at all, for He is the All-Powerful, the All-Wise. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it "Be," and it is.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear believer, contemplate the beauty of this divine response. Allah did not rebuke Zakariya for his question; rather, He answered him with a statement that elevates the heart beyond the limits of physical causes. This teaches us that when we face situations that seem impossible by human standards, we must remember that our Creator is not bound by the laws He Himself established. He is the One who brings forth life from the lifeless, and the One who turns despair into hope.

The story of Zakariya is a living proof that no matter how old you are, how weak your circumstances may seem, or how impossible your dreams appear — Allah's power transcends all obstacles. He is the Most Merciful, and His generosity knows no bounds. So never lose hope in His mercy, and never underestimate what He can do. For He says in His noble Book: *"And when My servants ask you concerning Me — indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the caller when he calls upon Me"* (Al-Baqarah: 186).

Let this verse be a source of comfort and strength for you. When you pray for something that seems beyond reach, remember the words of Zakariya's Lord: "Thus Allah does what He wills." And know that with Him, nothing is impossible.