At that time Zakariyâ (Zachariya) invoked his Lord, saying:
"O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the
All-Hearer of invocation." (38) Then the angels called him, while he was
standing in prayer in Al-Mihrâb (a praying place or a private room), (saying):
"Allâh gives you glad tidings of Yahya (John), confirming (believing in)
the Word from Allâh [i.e. the creation of 'Īsā (Jesus) A.S., the Word
from Allâh ("Be!" - and he was!)], noble, keeping away from sexual
relations with women, a Prophet, from among the righteous." (39) He said: "O my
Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?"
(Allâh) said: "Thus Allâh does what He wills." (40) He said: "O my
Lord! Make a sign for me." (Allâh) said: "Your sign is that you shall
not speak to mankind for three days except with signals. And remember your Lord
much (by praising Him again and again), and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and
in the morning.[]" (41) And (remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam
(Mary)! Verily, Allâh has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and
disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinn)
(of her lifetime)." (42) O Mary! "Submit yourself with obedience
to your Lord (Allâh, by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself,
and Irkâ'i (bow down) along with Ar-Râki'ûn (those who bow down)." (43) This is a part of the
news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past nations of which you have
no knowledge) which We revealed to you (O Muhammad SAW). You were not with
them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged
with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed (44) (Remember) when the
angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allâh gives you the glad tidings of
a Word ["Be!" - and he was! i.e. 'Īsā (Jesus) the son of
Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah 'Īsā (Jesus),
the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter,
and will be one of those who are near to Allâh." (45)