Transliteration:( Zaalika min ambaaa'il ghaibi nooheehi ilaik; wa maa kunta ladaihim iz yulqoona aqlaamahum ayyuhum yakfulu Maryama wa maa kunta ladaihim iz yakhtasimoon )
"These are news of the unseen, which We will tell you (in secret). And you were not with them when they were casting the arrows as to who should have the guardianship of Mariam, nor were you with them [96] when they were disputing the point [97]."
Allah reminds the Prophet ﷺ that he was not physically present during these past events, yet he narrates them in detail.
This serves as proof of his Prophethood, as such knowledge is only possible through divine revelation.
As Allah says:
“O Beloved, We have sent you as a witness…” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:45)
And:
“Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant?” (Surah Al-Fil, 105:1)
This verse affirms the belief that the Holy Prophet ﷺ is divinely illuminated, aware of past and future happenings through the Nur of Prophethood.
All the caretakers at Masjid al-Aqsa desired to be Sayyidah Mariam’s (RA) guardian, as she was the daughter of their leader, Hazrat Imran (AS).
They decided the matter by casting lots using their pens—the one whose pen did not float would be chosen.
This shows that:
Casting lots is a permissible and sometimes wise method for settling disputes.
Honouring the children of the pious is a praiseworthy act in Islam.
The tafsir of Surah Imran verse 44 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Imran ayat 42 which provides the complete commentary from verse 42 through 44.
(3:44) (O Muhammad!) We reveal to you this account from a realm which lies beyond the reach of your perception for you were not with them when they drew lots with their pens about who should be Mary’s guardian,[43] and you were not with them when they disputed about it.
43. They drew lots to decide who should be the guardian of Mary, whose mother had consecrated her to the service of God in the Temple. Since she was a girl, it was a delicate matter as to who from among the priests of the Temple would be the appropriate person to take care of her.
[124]- i.e., threw lots.
For a faster and smoother experience,
install our mobile app now.
Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics