Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:46 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 46
Arabic Text
وَيُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِىۡ الۡمَهۡدِ وَكَهۡلاً وَّمِنَ الصّٰلِحِيۡنَ
Transliteration
Wayukallimu annasa feealmahdi wakahlan wamina assaliheen
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali Imran 3:46 continues the angelic announcement about Jesus (Isa), peace be upon him, stating: 'He will speak to the people in the cradle and in maturity and will be of the righteous.' This verse highlights two miraculous aspects of Jesus's life: his ability to speak eloquently as an infant and his promised speech in maturity (kahlan). According to authentic hadith from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), only three infants ever spoke meaningfully in the cradle: Jesus, the companion of Jurayj, and one other child. The infant speech was not mere baby talk but rational, learned discourse calling people to worship Allah alone, serving as a divine sign defending his mother Mary's honor. The reference to speech in maturity (after age 40) is significant because Jesus was raised to heaven at approximately 33 years old, indicating this prophecy will be fulfilled when he returns to Earth during the end times. Islamic scholarship explains that this verse provides evidence for Jesus's second coming, when he will marry, have children, establish the divine system of governance (Khilafah ala Minhaj an-Nabuwwah), and complete his earthly mission. Being among 'the righteous' (As-Saliheen) means Jesus possesses pure knowledge and righteous deeds in both his statements and actions throughout his life.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 46 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 46
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Why did Jesus speak as an infant in the cradle according to Ali Imran 3:46?
Jesus spoke in the cradle as a divine miracle to defend his mother Mary's honor and announce his prophethood. When people falsely accused Mary after Jesus's birth, the infant Jesus declared 'I am a servant of Allah' (Inni Abdullah), calling people to worship Allah alone. This was not baby talk but rational, learned discourse that served as a clear sign of his divine mission and miraculous nature from birth.
❓What is the significance of Jesus speaking in maturity (kahlan) mentioned in this verse?
The reference to Jesus speaking in maturity (kahlan, meaning after age 40) is prophetically significant because Jesus was raised to heaven at approximately 33 years old, before reaching this age. Islamic scholars explain this indicates Jesus will return to Earth during the end times to complete this prophecy, when he will marry, have children, establish divine governance, and fulfill his remaining earthly mission as mentioned in authentic hadith.
❓Who are the only infants that spoke meaningfully in the cradle according to Islamic tradition?
According to authentic hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said only three infants ever spoke meaningfully in the cradle: Jesus (Isa), the companion during the time of Jurayj (a righteous man), and one other child. This exclusivity emphasizes the extraordinary miraculous nature of infant speech and Jesus's unique prophetic status from birth.
❓How was Jesus's infant speech different from normal baby babbling?
Jesus's cradle speech was rational, learned, and eloquent discourse rather than typical infant sounds. The Quran and Islamic scholars emphasize that his speech was as mature and articulate as an adult's, calling people to monotheism and defending his mother's honor. This miraculous quality served as a divine sign of his prophethood and demonstrated Allah's power over natural laws.
❓What does being among 'the righteous' (As-Saliheen) mean for Jesus?
Being among As-Saliheen (the righteous) means Jesus possesses pure knowledge and performs righteous deeds in both his statements and actions throughout his life. This encompasses his perfect obedience to Allah, his moral character, his calling people to divine worship, and his role as a model of righteousness for believers. It indicates his spiritual excellence and closeness to Allah in all aspects of his mission.
❓How does this verse provide evidence for Jesus's second coming in Islamic belief?
The verse mentions Jesus speaking in both infancy and maturity (kahlan), but historically Jesus was raised to heaven before reaching mature age (40+). Since divine prophecies must be fulfilled, Islamic scholars explain this indicates Jesus will return to Earth to complete this prophecy. His future speech in maturity will occur during his second coming when he establishes justice and completes his earthly mission.
❓What role does this miracle play in defending Mary's honor?
When people falsely accused Mary after Jesus's miraculous birth without a father, Allah granted Jesus the ability to speak in the cradle to defend her honor. The infant's declaration 'I am a servant of Allah' immediately clarified the divine nature of his birth and silenced accusations against his pure mother. This miracle served as divine intervention to protect Mary's reputation and establish the truth of Jesus's prophetic mission.
❓How does this verse relate to Islamic prophecies about the end times?
This verse supports Islamic end-time prophecies about Jesus's return by mentioning his speech in maturity, which hasn't been fulfilled yet. According to authentic hadith, Jesus will descend near the end times, marry, have children, rule justly, and establish the divine system of governance (Khilafah ala Minhaj an-Nabuwwah) throughout the world. His speech in maturity will occur during this period, completing the prophecy mentioned in this verse.
❓What spiritual lessons can believers derive from Jesus's miraculous speech abilities?
Jesus's miraculous speech teaches believers about Allah's absolute power over natural laws, the importance of using one's voice to defend truth and righteousness, and how divine signs serve to guide humanity. It demonstrates that Allah can grant extraordinary abilities to His chosen servants for specific missions. For contemporary Muslims, it emphasizes the importance of speaking truth, defending the innocent, and recognizing divine intervention in human affairs.
❓How does this miracle demonstrate the relationship between divine power and prophetic mission?
Jesus's miraculous speech from infancy demonstrates how Allah grants extraordinary signs to support His prophets' missions. The miracle served multiple purposes: defending Mary's honor, establishing Jesus's prophetic credentials from birth, calling people to monotheism, and providing clear evidence of divine intervention. This shows how Allah's power manifests through His messengers to guide humanity and confirm their authentic divine calling.
Translations & Commentary
Loading...