Surah Aal-Imran — Verse 47

Word Meanings:

• Anná (أَنَّىٰ): How, or in what way.
• Yamassasnī (يَمْسَسْنِي): Has touched me, meaning has had marital relations with me.
• Qaḍā (قَضَىٰ): Decided, willed, or decreed.
• Kun (كُن): "Be" — the divine command of creation.

Tafsir (Explanation):

Maryam (peace be upon her) responded to the angel's glad tidings with a tone of wonder and astonishment, not denial or rejection. She asked: "My Lord, how can I have a son when no man has ever touched me?" — meaning she had no husband, nor had she committed any unlawful act. This was a natural question from a pure, chaste woman who knew the established patterns of human life.

The angel's reply came as a profound lesson in divine power: "Thus Allah creates what He wills." In other words, this matter is not at all difficult for the Almighty Creator. When He desires something to exist, He merely says to it, "Be," and it comes into existence instantly, without any delay or obstacle. The creation of a child without a father is no more miraculous to Allah than the creation of the first human being, Adam, without a father or mother, or the creation of the heavens and the earth from nothing.

This verse teaches us a beautiful and powerful truth: Allah's will is absolute and His power knows no limits. What we consider impossible is entirely possible for Him. He is not bound by the laws of nature that He Himself established — rather, He is the One who set those laws in motion, and He can override them whenever He wishes.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, contemplate this magnificent scene: a young, righteous woman standing in awe of Allah's decree, and the divine response that reassures her heart. If Allah could create a son for Maryam without a father, then He is certainly able to answer your prayers, relieve your distress, and grant you what you think is impossible. So raise your hands in supplication with full certainty, for the One who said "Be" and the universe came into existence is the same One who hears your every whisper. Let your heart find peace in His promise, and let your faith grow stronger with the knowledge that nothing — absolutely nothing — is beyond His ability. Turn to Him sincerely, and He will never disappoint you.