Mary (Surah 19): Verses 77–80

Translation and Exegesis (Tafsir)

It is important to note that after first presenting the proofs for Resurrection (Ba'th), and then addressing the doubts of the deniers and refuting them, the Almighty now brings forth what they said out of mockery, aiming to undermine the assertion of the Resurrection.

Regarding the recitation:

• Hamzah and Al-Kisā’ī recited {وَلَدًا} (waladan) as a plural of walad (child), similar to asad (lion) being pluralized as usud (lions), or meaning the collective term for offspring, like al-'Arab (the Arabs).
• Yahya ibn Ya'mur recited it with a kasra: {وِلْدًا} (wildan).
• Al-Hasan stated that this verse was revealed concerning Al-Walid ibn Al-Mughirah.
• The well-known narration is that it concerns Al-'As ibn Wa'il. Khabbāb ibn Al-Aratt narrated that he was owed a debt by him. When Khabbāb demanded repayment, Al-'As said, "No, by Allah, not until you disbelieve in Muhammad (PBUH)." Khabbāb replied, "No, by Allah, I will not disbelieve in Muhammad (PBUH), neither alive nor dead, nor when you are resurrected." Al-'As then asked, "If I die and am resurrected, will I then have wealth and children? If so, I will pay you then." (Another narration suggests Khabbāb had made jewelry for him, and when Khabbāb asked for payment, Al-'As mocked, saying, "You claim you will be resurrected, and that in Paradise there is gold, silver, and silk. I will pay you then, for I will be given wealth and children at that time.")

Al-Sāhib (author) of Al-Kashshāf states that {أَاطَّلَعَ الْغَيْبَ} (A-ttala'a al-ghayb) derives from the saying, Aṭṭala'a al-Jabal (He ascended to the top of the mountain). It is also said, Marra muṭṭali'an li-dhālika al-amr (He passed through, dominating and mastering that affair).

The preferred interpretation here is: Has his status become so great that he has ascended to the knowledge of the Unseen, which is unique to the One and Only Sovereign?

The meaning is that what this person claims—that he will attain wealth and children—can only be achieved through one of two means: either knowledge of the Unseen, or a covenant from the Knower of the Unseen. By which of these did he attain it?

It is also said that {عَهْدًا} (covenant) here refers to the Shahādah (testimony of faith). Qatādah asked: Does he have any righteous deed that he presented, hoping for what he claims based on it?

Then, the Almighty clarifies that the reality of the denier is the opposite of what he claims, saying {كَلَّا} (Kallā), which is a word of deterrence and a notification of error, meaning he is mistaken in what he says and wishes for.

Regarding the use of Sin (سـ) in {سَنَكْتُبُ} (Sanaktubu - We will record): If one asks why the Sin (which implies future procrastination, Taswīf) was used, when the writing of deeds occurs immediately, as stated elsewhere: {مَا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ} (Q: 18), there are two possible answers:

1. It means: It will become apparent to him and he will know that We have recorded it.
2. The one who threatens (the punisher) says to the transgressor, "I will take revenge on you," even if the act of revenge is delayed. The purpose of this speech is pure threat. Similarly here.

Regarding {وَنَمُدُّ لَهُ مِنَ الْعَذَابِ مَدًّا} (We will extend for him of the punishment an extension): This means We will prolong the punishment that he deserves, increase it, and multiply the duration. It is said that Maddahu and Ammadahu have the same meaning. This is supported by the recitation of 'Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib (peace be upon him), who recited it with a ḍammah on the Mīm: {وَيُمَدُّ لَهُ} (Wa yumaddu lahu).

Regarding {وَنَرِثُهُ مَا يَقُولُ} (And We will inherit from him what he speaks of): This means that the wealth and children he was promised will depart from him, never to return, just as an inheritance does not return to the one who left it behind. When this is stripped from him in the Hereafter, he will remain solitary.

Therefore, He says: {وَيَأْتِينَا فَرْدًا} (and he will come to Us alone), meaning it is not valid for him to come to the Hereafter accompanied by wealth and children, just as the Almighty said: {وَلَقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا فُرَادَىٰ كَمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ} (Al-An'ām: 94). And Allah knows best.

Continuation of the Verses (7–8)