Tafsir of Maryam 19:33

The discussion regarding the reason for singling out these specific times for mention has already preceded, so recall it, for the covenant is not yet distant.

The most apparent, or rather the correct, view is that the use of the generic definite article (al-jins) is an allusion intended to curse those who accused Mary—peace be upon her—and her enemies among the Jews. For when the generic peace is declared upon a specific individual, it implies by contrast that its opposite—condemnation—is upon them. Its parallel is the saying of the Almighty: {And peace be upon whoever follows the guidance}, meaning that the punishment is upon whoever denies and turns away. Since the context is one of defiance and hostility, it is a clear indication of such an allusion.

To say that the definite article is for reference (al-عهد) is contrary to the apparent meaning, and indeed incorrect. This is not because the reference would be to the peace of John (Yahya)—peace be upon him—and that it cannot be the same peace for Jesus (Isa)—peace be upon him—as it is possible for it to be of the category of {This is what we were provided with before}. Rather, it is because this statement is severed from that [previous] one in existence and sequence; therefore, it is a reference that has no predecessor in wording or meaning. Furthermore, the context necessitates an allusion, which would be lost under that [other] interpretation, because the antithesis only arises from the exclusivity of the entire peace being upon him—peace be upon him. Such is stated in al-Kashf. The sufficiency of [the mention of] the peace of John in the narrative to validate it [the reference]—its state is not hidden [i.e., it is clearly insufficient].

Some have said that the peace of John—peace be upon him—is weightier because it is the word of Allah Almighty, whereas this peace is the word of Jesus—peace be upon him. Others have said that this one is weightier because it contains Allah Almighty establishing him in that position as His own, while also conveying the exclusivity of the entire peace being upon him—peace be upon him. So, reflect upon this.

Zayd ibn Ali—may Allah be pleased with them both—read it as {the day I was born (yawma wulidtu)} with the feminine ta indicating the attribution of the action to his mother.