Jesus then stood among the Children of Israel, giving them glad tidings and openly announcing the forthcoming mission of Muhammad ﷺ. Yet when Muhammad—whom they recognized as clearly as they recognized their own sons—came to them, they said, “This is manifest magic” (Q 61:6), just as they had said of Jesus: “But those among them who disbelieved said, ‘This is nothing but manifest magic’” (Q 5:110).

From this episode several lessons may be drawn:

• First: Vows remained legislated for the earlier communities, and the Prophet ﷺ encapsulated what is valid and what is invalid of them in his words: “Whoever vows to obey Allah should fulfill that obedience, and whoever vows to disobey Allah should not disobey Him.” (1)

• Second: One of Allah’s favors to a servant is to place him under the care of righteous, upright people, for the guardian and educator exert the greatest influence on the ward’s life, character, and manners. Hence Allah has instructed caregivers to provide sound upbringing, encouraging noble traits and deterring blameworthy ones.

• Third: The narrative affirms the extraordinary honors granted to Allah’s friends. Allah honored (2) Mary with several distinctions:
– He facilitated her being placed under the guardianship of Zachariah after contention arose over her care;
– He provided sustenance for her directly from Himself, without apparent means;
– He honored her with the birth of Jesus;
– And He sent an angel to address her, soothing her heart.