Tafsir of Al-Hijr 15:53

"They said: 'Do not be afraid.'"

"Do not be afraid" (la tawjal): do not fear. Al-Hasan recited it as la tuwjal (with a damma on the ta), constructed in the passive voice, derived from ijāl (to cause fear). It was also recited as la tuwājal, from wājalahu, meaning awjalahu (to cause fear). It was also recited as la tājal, substituting the waw with an alif, just as they say tābah for tawbah.

"Indeed, we give you good tidings..."

This is an initiation of speech in the sense of providing a rationale for the prohibition of fear. For one who is given good tidings can hardly be approached by fear or grief. How could he be, when it is a glad tiding of his survival and the survival of his family in well-being and safety for a long time?

"...of a boy..."

He is Isaac, peace be upon him, as this is explicitly stated in another place. The Glorified One made the tidings here to Abraham, and in another verse to his wife. Each has its own context. Perhaps it is mentioned here because it is more consistent with the accounts of the Arabs regarding what happened to their highest forefather, peace be upon him. Perhaps the Glorified One did not explicitly mention the tidings of Jacob, suffice with what was mentioned in Surah Hud. The tanwin (indefinite marking) denotes magnification, meaning: a boy of great status.

"...learned..."

Possessing abundant knowledge. It is said: By this, it is intended to indicate that he will be a prophet, in accordance with His saying—Exalted is He—: "And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet."