Surah Az-Zukhruf — Verse 17

Word Meanings:

• Bushshira (بُشِّرَ): Given glad tidings or news.
• Dhuriba lahu mathalan (ضَرَبَ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ مَثَلًا): Attributed to the Most Merciful an example or likeness — i.e., claimed that He has daughters.
• Zalla wajhuhu muswaddan (ظَلَّ وَجْهُهُ مُسْوَدًّا): His face turned dark/black.
• Kazim (كَظِيم): One who is filled with intense grief and suppressed anger, choking inwardly.

Tafsir (Explanation):

When one of these polytheists is given the news of the birth of a daughter — the very thing they falsely attribute to Allah, claiming that the angels are His daughters — his face darkens with overwhelming sorrow and distress. He becomes choked with suppressed rage and grief, unable to express the bitterness filling his heart. The news of a female child, which they consider a disgrace and a source of humiliation, plunges him into deep anguish.

Yet, astonishingly, these same people dare to ascribe daughters to Allah — the Most Merciful, the Creator of the heavens and the earth — while they themselves cannot bear the thought of having a daughter. How can they be pleased for their Lord what they themselves despise? How can they attribute to Allah what they would never accept for themselves?

This is a profound contradiction in their logic and a clear proof of their ignorance and injustice. They judge by a standard for Allah that they would never accept for their own honor and reputation. SubhanAllah — glorified and exalted is Allah far above what the wrongdoers claim!

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse invites us to reflect on the perfection of Allah and the depth of human ignorance when left without divine guidance. The same heart that grieves over a daughter — a precious gift from Allah — dares to attribute imperfection to its Creator. How far has humanity strayed when it rejects what Allah has blessed it with, and then projects its own flawed preferences onto the Divine?

Islam came to restore dignity to daughters, to honor women, and to purify our understanding of Allah from every imperfection. When you receive the gift of a daughter, you are receiving a blessing from the Most Merciful — a soul entrusted to you, a source of immense reward in this life and the next. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever is tested with daughters and treats them kindly, they will be a shield for him from the Fire."

So let us correct our perception of Allah, elevate Him above all that the ignorant claim, and embrace His gifts with gratitude and love. Indeed, in the perfection of Allah lies our peace, and in His wisdom lies our salvation.