Tafsir of Maryam 19:18

Surah Maryam (19): Verse 18

{قَالَتْ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِالرَّحْمَٰنِ مِنْكَ إِن كُنتَ تَقِيًّا} (She said, "Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, if you are pious.")

There are several interpretations regarding her statement:

1. First Interpretation (The Strongest): She meant, "It was hoped/expected that you would fear Allah (be pious), and that fear would lead you to accept my seeking refuge in Him. Therefore, I seek refuge in Him from you." This is highly eloquent because she understood that seeking refuge is only effective with one who fears Allah. This is similar to the verse: {And leave what remains [of interest] of usury, if you are believers} (Al-Baqarah: 278), meaning the condition of faith necessitates this action, not that Allah is feared in one state but not another.

2. Second Interpretation: Her meaning was, "You are not pious, since you have permitted yourself to look at me and be alone with me."

3. Third Interpretation: At that time, there was a wicked man named Taqi (Pious) who used to follow women. Mary (peace be upon her) thought that the observed person was this specific man named Taqi.

The first interpretation is the most sound.

{قَالَ إِنَّمَا أَنَا رَسُولُ رَبِّكِ لِأَهَبَ لَكِ غُلَامًا زَكِيًّا} (He said, "I am only a messenger from your Lord to grant you a pure boy.")