Surah As-Saffat — Verse 112

Word Meanings:

• Bashsharnāhu (بَشَّرْنَاهُ): We gave him glad tidings — news that brings joy and happiness.
• Isḥāq (إِسْحَاقَ): Isaac, the second son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him.
• Nabiyyan (نَبِيًّا): A prophet — one chosen by Allah to receive revelation and guide his people.
• Min al-Ṣāliḥīn (مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ): Among the righteous — those who are upright in faith, sincere in worship, and excellent in character.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse comes as a continuation of the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his ultimate test of submission — the command to sacrifice his beloved son Isma'il. When Ibrahim and his son both surrendered completely to Allah's will, and Allah ransomed Isma'il with a great sacrifice, Allah then gave Ibrahim another glad tiding: the birth of another son, Ishaq (Isaac), who would also be a prophet and among the righteous.

The glad tidings here carry a profound meaning. It was not merely news of a child — it was news of a child who would be a prophet, continuing the legacy of prophethood and righteousness. This was a divine reward for Ibrahim's patience, his unwavering obedience, and his complete submission to Allah's command, even when it meant sacrificing what was most dear to him.

Allah chose to give this good news after the trial of the sacrifice, showing that after hardship comes ease, and after patience comes reward. The verse emphasizes that Ishaq would be "from the righteous" — not just a good person, but one distinguished by Allah with prophethood and moral excellence, following in the footsteps of his father.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse teaches us a beautiful lesson about the nature of trials and rewards. When Ibrahim submitted fully to Allah's command — even the most difficult one — Allah did not leave him empty-handed. Instead, He blessed him with more than he had before. This is the way of Allah with His sincere servants: every act of patience and obedience is met with divine generosity that surpasses our expectations.

Dear reader, reflect on your own life. When you face trials and choose to trust Allah, remember that His reward is always greater than the sacrifice. Ibrahim gave his son in obedience, and Allah returned him and added another prophet to his lineage. Never lose hope in Allah's mercy and His ability to turn your trials into blessings. The more you submit to Allah, the more He honors you — in this life and the next.