RationalWiki:Annotated Qur'an/Mary

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Annotated Qur'an
Sura 19: Mary
Word-by-word translation
Alternate translations and related tafsirs
Alternate translations
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Qur'an 19:1[edit]

Kaf, Ha, Ya, Ayn, Saad.

Qur'an 19:1 Notes[edit]

This is another one of those chapters that starts with random Arabic letters. What do they mean? Why are they here? Islamic scholars have been studying this book for literal centuries and still have no definitive answer.

Qur'an 19:2[edit]

A mention of the mercy of your Lord towards His servant Zechariah.

Qur'an 19:2 Notes[edit]

Zechariah, a figure who totally existed and has real historical evidence supporting his existence.

Qur'an 19:3[edit]

When he called on his Lord, a call in seclusion.

Qur'an 19:3 Notes[edit]

Why in seclusion though?

Qur'an 19:4[edit]

He said, “My Lord, my bones have become feeble, and my hair is aflame with gray, and never, Lord, have I been disappointed in my prayer to you.

Qur'an 19:4 Notes[edit]

This story starts with him at a very old age?

Qur'an 19:5[edit]

“And I fear for my dependents after me, and my wife is barren. So grant me, from Yourself, an heir.

Qur'an 19:5 Notes[edit]

Does the wife not get a name in this story? Other women get names, including the one mentioned in this chapter's title.

Qur'an 19:6[edit]

To inherit me, and inherit from the House of Jacob, and make him, my Lord, pleasing.”

Qur'an 19:6 Notes[edit]

Of course that's the reason why he would want a kid. This probably isn't the only reason assuming that Zechariah was a real person, but the verse only gives this as a reason.

Qur'an 19:7[edit]

“O Zechariah, We give you good news of a son, whose name is John, a name We have never given before.”

Qur'an 19:7 Notes[edit]

This was the very first guy named John in human history? The Quran is supposed to be in Arabic only, so the name would be more like Yaħyā.

Qur'an 19:8[edit]

He said, “My Lord, how can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have become decrepit with old age?”

Qur'an 19:8 Notes[edit]

You're a prophet. You literally asked Allah for an heir. Why are you questioning it now if you seriously expected Allah to give you what you asked him to give you?

Qur'an 19:9[edit]

He said, “It will be so, your Lord says, ‘it is easy for me, and I created you before, when you were nothing.’”

Qur'an 19:9 Notes[edit]

Spoiler alert: Allah never proves that he created Zechariah or any other human for that matter. In fact, he never proves his own existence despite claiming to send "clear signs" and asking for evidence when talking about other gods.

Qur'an 19:10[edit]

He said, “My Lord, give me a sign.” He said, “Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights straight.”

Qur'an 19:10 Notes[edit]

Why would that be necessary? Wouldn't Zechariah see a sign in his ability to perform with his still-nameless wife or any visible changes with her pregnancy?

Qur'an 19:11[edit]

And he came out to his people, from the sanctuary, and signaled to them to praise morning and evening.

Qur'an 19:11 Notes[edit]

They just prayed twice a day? Not five?

Qur'an 19:12[edit]

“O John, hold on to the Scripture firmly,” and We gave him wisdom in his youth.

Qur'an 19:12 Notes[edit]

This is even though the divine "Scripture" goes against wisdom entirely.

Qur'an 19:13[edit]

And tenderness from Us, and innocence. He was devout.

Qur'an 19:13 Notes[edit]

As it turns out, even the horrifying Allah has a soft side.

Qur'an 19:14[edit]

And kind to his parents; and he was not a disobedient tyrant.

Qur'an 19:14 Notes[edit]

Good for him, but does this chapter talk about them being good parents too? Does this book say anything about how to be a good parent, on that note? Multiple chapters tell children to obey their parents, but do any chapters tell the parents how to raise children well?

Qur'an 19:15[edit]

And peace be upon him the day he was born, and the day he dies, and the Day he is raised alive.

Qur'an 19:15 Notes[edit]

Does anybody get any evidence that resurrection is even possible before dying or is that piece of lore saved for the post-game?

Qur'an 19:16[edit]

And mention in the Scripture Mary, when she withdrew from her people to an eastern location.

Qur'an 19:16 Notes[edit]

Mary has a name, so why not Zechariah's wife? It's not that hard.

Qur'an 19:17[edit]

She screened herself away from them, and We sent to her Our spirit, and He appeared to her as an immaculate human.

Qur'an 19:17 Notes[edit]

Of course, because "He appeared to her as an immaculate human" but wasn't actually a human, she's still a virgin and her miracle is a virgin birth.

Qur'an 19:18[edit]

She said, “I take refuge from you in the Most Merciful, should you be righteous.”

Qur'an 19:18 Notes[edit]

Spoiler alert: Allah, the supposed "Most Merciful", has no idea what being "righteous" even means.

Qur'an 19:19[edit]

He said, “I am only the messenger of your Lord, to give you the gift of a pure son.”

Qur'an 19:19 Notes[edit]

A being looks like a man and visits some woman when nobody else is looking. She gets a baby from that encounter. Nothing suspicious at all!

Qur'an 19:20[edit]

She said, “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, and I was never unchaste?”

Qur'an 19:20 Notes[edit]

I was originally going to say something witty, but this is disgusting and morally questionable no matter what.

Qur'an 19:21[edit]

He said, “Thus said your Lord, `It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for humanity, and a mercy from Us. It is a matter already decided.'“

Qur'an 19:21 Notes[edit]

Over two millennia later, his historical existence proves to be such a poor sign that people can't really seem to agree on anything regarding his historical existence.

Qur'an 19:22[edit]

So she carried him, and secluded herself with him in a remote place.

Qur'an 19:22 Notes[edit]

Was this after nine months of pregnancy or immediately after this mysterious being who looks like a man talked to her?

Qur'an 19:23[edit]

The labor-pains came upon her, by the trunk of a palm-tree. She said, “I wish I had died before this, and been completely forgotten.”

Qur'an 19:23 Notes[edit]

Labor pains can definitely be that agonizing, especially at a time when childbirth resulted in death tragically often. Why exactly did Allah design human biology like this? Does he even know how awful his creations turned out?

Qur'an 19:24[edit]

Whereupon he called her from beneath her: “Do not worry; your Lord has placed a stream beneath you.

Qur'an 19:24 Notes[edit]

Who said that? The newborn baby? The angel who looks like a man? Allah?

Qur'an 19:25[edit]

And shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards you, and it will drop ripe dates by you.”

Qur'an 19:25 Notes[edit]

In any case, that seems nowhere near enough given her apparent agony at present.

Qur'an 19:26[edit]

“So eat, and drink, and be consoled. And if you see any human, say, ‘I have vowed a fast to the Most Gracious, so I will not speak to any human today.'“

Qur'an 19:26 Notes[edit]

She can only speak to say that she's not speaking? Also, what kind of fast requires her to avoid speaking in the first place?

Qur'an 19:27[edit]

Then she came to her people, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have done something terrible.

Qur'an 19:27 Notes[edit]

Why did they jump to the conclusion that Mary did a bad thing and not the possibility of somebody doing it to her without her consent? Does Allah ever state in this story that Mary had a choice in this matter?

Qur'an 19:28[edit]

O sister of Aaron, your father was not an evil man, and your mother was not a whore.”

Qur'an 19:28 Notes[edit]

They are definitely jumping to conclusions if they're implying either thing about Mary just because she has a baby now.

Qur'an 19:29[edit]

So she pointed to him. They said, “How can we speak to an infant in the crib?”

Qur'an 19:29 Notes[edit]

Most people can speak to infants. The main issue is getting those infants to understand and say anything intelligible in response.

Qur'an 19:30[edit]

He said, “I am the servant of God. He has given me the Scripture, and made me a prophet.

Qur'an 19:30 Notes[edit]

Most babies don't pretend to be above everybody else when babbling utter gibberish.

Qur'an 19:31[edit]

And has made me blessed wherever I may be; and has enjoined on me prayer and charity, so long as I live.

Qur'an 19:31 Notes[edit]

How human is Jesus supposed to be anyhow? Supposedly, no actual man impregnated Mary, even if some being who closely resembles a man visited a virgin and led to this miraculous birth.

Qur'an 19:32[edit]

And kind to my mother, and He did not make me a disobedient rebel.

Qur'an 19:32 Notes[edit]

Was Jesus babbling these words with sounds that typical babies make or speaking them in a grown-up voice?

Qur'an 19:33[edit]

So Peace is upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the Day I get resurrected alive.”

Qur'an 19:33 Notes[edit]

While different sects disagree on this detail, many Muslims believe that Jesus never actually died but simply rose to heaven while Allah made it look like he was crucified.

Qur'an 19:34[edit]

That is Jesus son of Mary—the Word of truth about which they doubt.

Qur'an 19:34 Notes[edit]

Given the utterly ridiculous details and a lack of real evidence for these events ever happening, people are right to doubt.

Qur'an 19:35[edit]

It is not for God to have a child—glory be to Him. To have anything done, He says to it, “Be,” and it becomes.

Qur'an 19:35 Notes[edit]

It is not for God to have human messengers when he could easily speak directly to humanity either.

Qur'an 19:36[edit]

“God is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”

Qur'an 19:36 Notes[edit]

A magical baby said it. This could only point to the ultimate ruler of this world.

Qur'an 19:37[edit]

But the various factions differed among themselves. So woe to those who disbelieve from the scene of a tremendous Day.

Qur'an 19:37 Notes[edit]

Various factions of Muslims "differ among themselves" as well. What's your point?

Qur'an 19:38[edit]

Listen to them and watch for them the Day they come to Us. But the wrongdoers today are completely lost.

Qur'an 19:38 Notes[edit]

They are apparently "wrongdoers" for disagreeing about some details after hearing a talking baby?

Qur'an 19:39[edit]

And warn them of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be concluded. Yet they are heedless, and they do not believe.

Qur'an 19:39 Notes[edit]

Some evidence would make such warnings seem remotely credible and let them stand out from any other apocalyptic preacher claiming to warn people about anything.

Qur'an 19:40[edit]

It is We who will inherit the earth and everyone on it, and to Us they will be returned.

Qur'an 19:40 Notes[edit]

For now, evidence is apparently just for chumps.

Qur'an 19:41[edit]

And mention in the Scripture Abraham. He was a man of truth, a prophet.

Qur'an 19:41 Notes[edit]

And mention any historical evidence for his existence as described in this book if it exists.

Qur'an 19:42[edit]

He said to his father, “O my father, why do you worship what can neither hear, nor see, nor benefit you in any way?

Qur'an 19:42 Notes[edit]

Does Allah "hear", "see", or "benefit" anybody ever? Some people say so and even write it down in books, but the same can be said about any other fictional god ever.

Qur'an 19:43[edit]

O my father, there has come to me knowledge that never came to you. So follow me, and I will guide you along a straight way.

Qur'an 19:43 Notes[edit]

Kids claim to know things that their parents don't. It happens constantly. What makes Abraham's supposed "knowledge" any different?

Qur'an 19:44[edit]

O my father, do not worship the devil. The devil is disobedient to the Most Gracious.

Qur'an 19:44 Notes[edit]

The devil? Doesn't this book say that his father would worship idols? Also, without any actual evidence, this "knowledge" is just some superstitious nonsense that happens to contradict previously held superstitious nonsense.

Qur'an 19:45[edit]

O my father, I fear that a punishment from the Most Gracious will afflict you, and you become an ally of the devil.”

Qur'an 19:45 Notes[edit]

Why would you call this being "the Most Gracious" in that case?

Qur'an 19:46[edit]

He said, “Are you renouncing my gods, O Abraham? If you do not desist, I will stone you. So leave me alone for a while.”

Qur'an 19:46 Notes[edit]

Abraham's father threatens violence to quash religious dissent. Is that a bad thing according to the Quran?

Qur'an 19:47[edit]

He said, “Peace be upon you. I will ask my Lord to forgive you; He has been Kind to me.

Qur'an 19:47 Notes[edit]

Allah wouldn't need anybody to ask him for anybody's forgiveness if he really was the "Most Forgiving" and "Most Merciful" mentioned in this book.

Qur'an 19:48[edit]

And I will withdraw from you, and from what you pray to instead of God. And I will pray to my Lord, and I hope I will not be disappointed in my prayer to my Lord.”

Qur'an 19:48 Notes[edit]

Abraham spoke to the void in that time. The void spoke back to him.

Qur'an 19:49[edit]

When he withdrew from them, and from what they worship besides God, We granted him Isaac and Jacob. And each We made a prophet.

Qur'an 19:49 Notes[edit]

Jumping straight to the story of these two? Wasn't this chapter supposed to be all about Mary?

Qur'an 19:50[edit]

And We gave them freely of Our mercy, and gave them a noble reputation of truth.

Qur'an 19:50 Notes[edit]

Can the rest of humanity have this "mercy" also?

Qur'an 19:51[edit]

And mention in the Scripture Moses. He was dedicated. He was a messenger and a prophet.

Qur'an 19:51 Notes[edit]

This chapter barely gives Isaac and Jacob two verses?

Qur'an 19:52[edit]

And We called him from the right side of the Mount, and brought him near in communion.

Qur'an 19:52 Notes[edit]

This entire book is structured so confusingly. Why not just have a single chapter for each of these stories, explaining them in non-contradictory detail and showing readers how they can verify their historicity? Other parts of the Quran can refer to those stories in a way that doesn't just jarringly destroy any semblance of flow. Such a book would be much better at communicating ideas clearly than the Quran as humanity has the misfortune of knowing it.

Qur'an 19:53[edit]

And We granted him, out of Our mercy, his brother Aaron, a prophet.

Qur'an 19:53 Notes[edit]

Another improvement would be to cut back on the constant self-glazing. It just makes Allah look insecure and nothing like an actually omnipotent omniscient being.

Qur'an 19:54[edit]

And mention in the Scripture Ishmael. He was true to his promise, and was a messenger, a prophet.

Qur'an 19:54 Notes[edit]

For now, why does the Quran need to just name various prophets in a seemingly random order, giving very few details for each one? This is a surprisingly common theme in the Quran.

Qur'an 19:55[edit]

And he used to enjoin on his people prayer and charity, and he was pleasing to his Lord.

Qur'an 19:55 Notes[edit]

This verse at least tells readers that prayer and charity are good, so why not have more verses clearly specifying what believers should and shouldn't do?

Qur'an 19:56[edit]

And mention in the Scripture Enoch. He was a man of truth, a prophet.

Qur'an 19:56 Notes[edit]

Of course, that tidbit barely lasted.

Qur'an 19:57[edit]

And We raised him to a high position.

Qur'an 19:57 Notes[edit]

Can this verse get any less clear?

Qur'an 19:58[edit]

These are some of the prophets God has blessed, from the descendants of Adam, and from those We carried with Noah, and from the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and from those We guided and selected. Whenever the revelations of the Most Gracious are recited to them, they would fall down, prostrating and weeping.

Qur'an 19:58 Notes[edit]

What exactly was the point of mentioning some of Allah's prophets in Mary's chapter?

Qur'an 19:59[edit]

But they were succeeded by generations who lost the prayers and followed their appetites. They will meet perdition.

Qur'an 19:59 Notes[edit]

Back to these threats, eh?

Qur'an 19:60[edit]

Except for those who repent, and believe, and act righteously. These will enter Paradise, and will not be wronged in the least.

Qur'an 19:60 Notes[edit]

This verse suggests that the rest of humanity is wronged by Allah, which is absolutely correct given his descriptions here. Other verses claim that Allah doesn't wrong anybody.

Qur'an 19:61[edit]

The Gardens of Eden, promised by the Most Merciful to His servants in the Unseen. His promise will certainly come true.

Qur'an 19:61 Notes[edit]

He can claim the title of "the Most Merciful to His servants" but will never be most merciful in general if such "mercy" is limited to those who devote their entire existence to him and him alone.

Qur'an 19:62[edit]

They will hear no nonsense therein, but only peace. And they will have their provision therein, morning and evening.

Qur'an 19:62 Notes[edit]

How can that be when not only this verse but Paradise itself is just nonsense?

Qur'an 19:63[edit]

Such is Paradise which We will give as inheritance to those of Our servants who are devout.

Qur'an 19:63 Notes[edit]

This entire carrot-and-stick system is nonsense.

Qur'an 19:64[edit]

“We do not descend except by the command of your Lord. His is what is before us, and what is behind us, and what is between them. Your Lord is never forgetful.”

Qur'an 19:64 Notes[edit]

Allah never knew anything to forget in the first place.

Qur'an 19:65[edit]

Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them. So worship Him, and persevere in His service. Do you know of anyone equal to Him?

Qur'an 19:65 Notes[edit]

Many other gods are equally as real and claimed to be equally infinite in their power while being equally fictional to boot.

Qur'an 19:66[edit]

And the human being says, “When I am dead, will I be brought back alive?”

Qur'an 19:66 Notes[edit]

Given the lack of real evidence supporting resurrection, this is certainly a valid question.

Qur'an 19:67[edit]

Does the human being not remember that We created him before, when he was nothing?

Qur'an 19:67 Notes[edit]

No. When exactly did Allah prove that he actually created anybody and doesn't just take credit for people who already exist? Allah would also need to prove that he can resurrect people after death instead of only "creating" life normally. Can the same biological mechanisms that lead to a newborn baby also bring life to a fully grown and long-dead human corpse?

Qur'an 19:68[edit]

By your Lord, We will round them up, and the devils, then We will bring them around Hell, on their knees.

Qur'an 19:68 Notes[edit]

Allah reiterates his sadism instead of answering the real questions.

Qur'an 19:69[edit]

Then, out of every sect, We will snatch those most defiant to the Most Merciful.

Qur'an 19:69 Notes[edit]

This name of "the Most Merciful" means zilch now.

Qur'an 19:70[edit]

We are fully aware of those most deserving to scorch in it.

Qur'an 19:70 Notes[edit]

No being who was predestined (by "the Most Merciful" of course) to sincerely disbelieve is "deserving" of infinite agony.

Qur'an 19:71[edit]

There is not one of you but will go down to it. This has been an unavoidable decree of your Lord.

Qur'an 19:71 Notes[edit]

Allah loves the sound of his own voice as he promises infinite agony to almost all humans who ever existed.

Qur'an 19:72[edit]

Then We will rescue those who were devout, and leave the wrongdoers in it, on their knees.

Qur'an 19:72 Notes[edit]

A single drop of mercy in a nigh-infinite expanse of cruelty does not make Allah remotely "the Most Merciful" no matter how many times he repeats this nonsense.

Qur'an 19:73[edit]

When Our clear revelations are recited to them, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, “Which of the two parties is better in position, and superior in influence?”

Qur'an 19:73 Notes[edit]

When will anybody ever see or hear these "clear revelations" exactly? This book's lack of clarity is enough of a reason to dismiss it.

Qur'an 19:74[edit]

How many a generation have We destroyed before them, who surpassed them in riches and splendor?

Qur'an 19:74 Notes[edit]

Only real characters can destroy anything, so the answer is a big fat zero.

Qur'an 19:75[edit]

Say, “Whoever is in error, the Most Merciful will lead him on.” Until, when they see what they were promised—either the punishment, or the Hour. Then they will know who was in worse position and weaker in forces.

Qur'an 19:75 Notes[edit]

Allah seems to like calling himself "the Most Merciful" a lot in this chapter. He doesn't usually repeat that specific phrase this much when displaying his sadism.

Qur'an 19:76[edit]

God increases in guidance those who accept guidance. And the things that endure—the righteous deeds—have the best reward with your Lord, and the best outcome.

Qur'an 19:76 Notes[edit]

This just sounds like confirmation bias and not real "guidance" if only those who believe can be granted it.

Qur'an 19:77[edit]

Have you seen him who denied Our revelations, and said, “I will be given wealth and children”?

Qur'an 19:77 Notes[edit]

Yes. They are all lovely people unlike Allah.

Qur'an 19:78[edit]

Did he look into the future, or did he receive a promise from the Most Merciful?

Qur'an 19:78 Notes[edit]

No, but many people can still plan to raise a family and have lots of money. Those plans don't always pan out, but they often do. People can reasonably expect some things based on past experiences and present circumstances.

Qur'an 19:79[edit]

No indeed! We will write what he says, and will keep extending the agony for him.

Qur'an 19:79 Notes[edit]

Why does Allah keep showing his sadistic side? Satan exists according to his book. You should actually mention him if you're going to talk about a supernatural villain!

Qur'an 19:80[edit]

Then We will inherit from him what he speaks of, and he will come to Us alone.

Qur'an 19:80 Notes[edit]

What is even the point of Satan in this book? Many chapters give him a quick glance at best. Many others ignore him.

Qur'an 19:81[edit]

And they took, besides God, other gods, to be for them a source of strength.

Qur'an 19:81 Notes[edit]

What about those who take no gods?

Qur'an 19:82[edit]

By no means! They will reject their worship of them, and become opponents to them.

Qur'an 19:82 Notes[edit]

Allah is still the worst opponent of them all.

Qur'an 19:83[edit]

Have you not considered how We dispatch the devils against the disbelievers, exciting them with incitement?

Qur'an 19:83 Notes[edit]

We have not. Devils have never been proven to exist?

Qur'an 19:84[edit]

So do not hurry against them. We are counting for them a countdown.

Qur'an 19:84 Notes[edit]

This is literally verse 19:84, guys!

Qur'an 19:85[edit]

On the Day when We will gather the righteous to the Most Merciful, as guests.

Qur'an 19:85 Notes[edit]

Allah should really try being "the Most Merciful" given how much he talks about him.

Qur'an 19:86[edit]

And herd the sinners into hell, like animals to water.

Qur'an 19:86 Notes[edit]

Allah instead likes comparing these "sinners" to literal animals for some reason.

Qur'an 19:87[edit]

They will have no power of intercession, except for someone who has an agreement with the Most Merciful.

Qur'an 19:87 Notes[edit]

This capricious deity's word means less than nothing.

Qur'an 19:88[edit]

And they say, “The Most Merciful has begotten a son.”

Qur'an 19:88 Notes[edit]

This is considerably less ridiculous than saying that he somehow has the power to do literally anything.

Qur'an 19:89[edit]

You have come up with something monstrous.

Qur'an 19:89 Notes[edit]

Read this book carefully. Who's monstrous here?

Qur'an 19:90[edit]

At which the heavens almost rupture, and the earth splits, and the mountains fall and crumble.

Qur'an 19:90 Notes[edit]

This isn't monstrous at all, but Allah having a son crosses the line for some reason.

Qur'an 19:91[edit]

Because they attribute a son to the Most Merciful.

Qur'an 19:91 Notes[edit]

Allah seems to be blowing this way out of proportion.

Qur'an 19:92[edit]

It is not fitting for the Most Merciful to have a son.

Qur'an 19:92 Notes[edit]

It is also not fitting for the Most Merciful to torture people forever, but here we are.

Qur'an 19:93[edit]

There is none in the heavens and the earth but will come to the Most Merciful as a servant.

Qur'an 19:93 Notes[edit]

So this means that nobody will actually disobey Allah? Does this mean that literally everybody will serve Allah?

Qur'an 19:94[edit]

He has enumerated them, and counted them one by one.

Qur'an 19:94 Notes[edit]

Allah probably got that wrong given how bad at math he has shown himself to be.

Qur'an 19:95[edit]

And each one of them will come to Him on the Day of Resurrection alone.

Qur'an 19:95 Notes[edit]

Be scared! This part is also meant to scare you!

Qur'an 19:96[edit]

Those who believe and do righteous deeds, the Most Merciful will give them love.

Qur'an 19:96 Notes[edit]

Anybody claiming to be "the Most Merciful" would give literally every being to ever exist infinite love.

Qur'an 19:97[edit]

We made it easy in your tongue, in order to deliver good news to the righteous, and to warn with it a hostile people.

Qur'an 19:97 Notes[edit]

The good news and warnings are both utter garbage though.

Qur'an 19:98[edit]

How many a generation have We destroyed before them? Can you feel a single one of them, or hear from them the slightest whisper?

Qur'an 19:98 Notes[edit]

They have been long gone. How is anybody supposed to specifically credit Allah for destroying them beyond just some book saying so.