Mary (Maryam)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Kaf- Ha-Ya-'Ain-Sad. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. 1 A mention of the mercy of thy Lord unto His servant Zachariah. 2 When he softly prayed to his Lord. 3 he prayed: "O my Sustainer! Feeble have become my bones, and my head glistens with grey hair. But never yet, O my Lord, has my prayer unto Thee remained unanswered. 4 I am afraid of what my kinsmen will do after (my death) and my wife is barren. Lord, grant me a son 5 "Who shall inherit me, and inherit (also) the posterity of Ya'qub (Jacob) (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not the wealth, etc.). And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!". 6 (His prayer was answered): "O Zakariya! We give thee good news of a son: His name shall be Yahya: on none by that name have We conferred distinction before." 7 He said, "My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife has been barren and I have reached extreme old age?" 8 He said, "It will be so! Your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me for I created you when you were nothing before.'" 9 He said: "O Lord, give me a token." "Though sound," He answered, "you will not talk to any one for three nights running." 10 So he came from the chamber to his people, and suggested to them (by signs) to sing the praises of the Lord morning and evening. 11 (We said:) "O John, hold fast to the Book;" and We gave him wisdom right from boyhood, 12 And (made him) sympathetic to men as a mercy (or a grant) from Us, and pure from sins [i.e. Yahya (John)] and he was righteous, 13 And was good to his parents and not forceful, nor disobedient. 14 Peace on him the day he was born, and the day he dieth and the day he shall be raised alive! 15