Tafsir of Al-Mu'minoon 23:50

"And We made the son of Mary..."

If you ask: If it were said "two signs" (instead of one), would there be a basis for it?

I say: Yes. Because Mary was born without being touched by a man, and Jesus was a spirit from God cast into her. He spoke in the cradle, brought the dead to life, and performed other miracles. Thus, he was a sign from more than one perspective. The wording allows for the dual form, based on the estimation: "And We made the son of Mary a sign, and his mother a sign," then the first was omitted because the second implies it.

"A high ground (rabwah/rabawah)..."

The letter ra in rabwah and rabawah admits all vowel markings. It is recited as rubwah (with a damma) and ribawah (with a kasra). It refers to elevated land.

• It is said: It is Aelia (Jerusalem), the heart of the earth and the point on earth closest to the sky by eighteen miles.
• It is said: Damascus and its Ghuta.
• From al-Hasan: Palestine and Ramla.
• From Abu Hurayrah: "Cling to this Ramla, the Ramla of Palestine, for it is the high ground mentioned by God."
• It is said: Egypt.

"And a place of settlement (qarar)..."

A stable, level, and flat land.

• From Qatadah: It is land possessing fruit and water, meaning that because of the fruit, its inhabitants settle there.

"And a spring (ma'in)..."

Water that is visible and flowing upon the surface of the earth. There is a difference of opinion regarding whether the mim is an addition or original:

• Those who consider it a maf'ul (passive participle): It is because it is perceived by the eye ('ayn) due to its visibility, derived from 'anahu (he perceived it with his eye), similar to rakabahu (he struck him with his knee).
• Those who consider it a fa'il (active form): It is because it is beneficial (naffa') due to its visibility and flow, derived from al-ma'un, which means benefit.

"O messengers, eat from the good things and work righteousness. Indeed, I, of what you do, am Knowing."