Chapter 3: Surat Aal-'Imran (The House 'Imran), verse 33-44
Translation:
God exalted Adam and Noah, Abraham's descendants and the descendants of 'Imran' above the nations. They were the offspring of one another. God hears all and knows all. Remember the words of 'Imran's wife. 'Lord,' she said, 'I dedicate to Your service that which is in my womb. Accept it from me. You alone hear all and know all.' And when she was delivered of the child, she said: 'Lord, I have given birth to a daughter' - God well knew of what she was delivered: the male is not like the female - 'and have called her Mary. Protect her and all her descendants from Satan, the Accursed One.' Her Lord graciously accepted her. He make her grow a goodly child and entrusted her to the care of Zacharias. Whenever Zacharias visited her in the Shrine he found that she had food with her. 'Mary,' he said, 'where is this food from?' 'It is from God,' she answered. 'God gives without measure to whom He will.' Thereupon Zacharias prayed to his Lord, saying: 'Lord, grant me of Your own grace upright descendants. You hear all prayers.' And as he stood praying in the Shrine, the angels called out to him, saying: 'God bids you rejoice in the birth of John, who shall confirm the Word of God. He shall be princely and chaste, a prophet and a righteous man.' 'Lord,' said Zacharias, 'how shall I have a son when I am now overtaken by old age and my wife is barren?' 'Such is the will of God,' He replied. "He does what He pleases.' 'Lord,' said he, 'vouchsafe me a sign.' 'For three days and three night,' He replied, 'you shall not speak to any man except by signs. Remember your Lord always; give glory to Him morning and evening.' And remember the angels' words to Mary. They sad: ;God has chosen you. He has made you pure and exalted you above womankind. Mary, be obedient to your Lord; bow down and worship with the worshippers.' This is an account of a divine secret. We reveal it to you. You were not present when they cast lots to see which of them should have charge of Mary; nor were you present when they argued about her. (33-44)
Commentary:
God blessed Zakariyya with offspring in old age; provided food/sustenance to Mariyam (Mary) in her shrine; created Jesus without a father, and created/produced chaste and upright people (that is, messengers) so that they could be chosen for communicating the message of God to human beings. God did not grant these blessings to His people just for nothing but He found them deserving so he showered them with His blessings. These were the people who had no economic expectations from their children, their happiness consisted in their children’s dedication and devotion to the cause of God. These were the people who wished that their children were safe from Satan and joined the group of believers. They were not given to jealousy and ill will on seeing goodness in others. It was through their good influence that their children too were in control of their selves and became among those who truly remember God: who chose the right way abandoning the path that leads one astray. These are the people whom God provides from His special mercy and who are accepted by God for showering His special blessings.