(12–15) “O John, hold firmly to the Scripture.” We granted him sound judgment while still a child, as well as compassion from Us and purity, and he was mindful of Allah. He was dutiful to his parents and was neither overbearing nor disobedient. Peace be upon him on the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised to life.
The preceding passage indicated John’s birth, his growing up, and his upbringing. When he reached an age at which he could understand what was addressed to him, Allah commanded him to hold firmly to the Scripture—that is, with earnestness and diligence. This meant striving to memorize its words, understand its meanings, and act upon its commands and prohibitions. This is what it means to hold firmly to the Scripture. He therefore obeyed his Lord’s command and devoted himself to the Scripture, memorizing and understanding it. Allah endowed him with intelligence and discernment beyond that found in others. Hence He said: “We granted him sound judgment while still a child”—that is, knowledge of Allah’s rulings and the ability to judge by them, even while he was still young.
“And” We also granted him “compassion from Us”—that is, mercy and tenderness, through which his affairs were facilitated, his circumstances improved, and his actions became upright.
“And purity”—that is, freedom from defects and sins. His heart was purified and his mind refined. This entails the removal of blameworthy traits and bad character, together with an increase in good character and praiseworthy qualities. Hence He said: “And he was mindful of Allah”—that is, he fulfilled what was commanded and refrained from what was forbidden. Whoever is a believer and mindful of Allah is one of Allah’s friends and among the people of Paradise, which has been prepared for those who are mindful of Him. Such a person also receives the rewards of this world and the Hereafter that Allah has promised for mindfulness of Him.
“And” he was also “dutiful to his parents”—that is, ⦗491⦘ he was neither undutiful nor unkind to them; rather, he treated them well in word and deed.
“And he was neither overbearing nor disobedient”—that is, he was not tyrannical or too proud to worship Allah, nor did he exalt himself above Allah’s servants or above his parents. Rather, he was humble, submissive, obedient, and constantly turning back to Allah. Thus, he fulfilled both Allah’s rights and the rights of His creation. Consequently, Allah granted him safety in every stage of his life, from beginning to end. Hence He said: “Peace be upon him on the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised to life.” This entails his safety from Satan, evil, and punishment on these three occasions and throughout the intervals between them. He is safe from the Fire and its terrors and is among the people of the Abode of Peace. May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, his father, and all the messengers. May He make us among their followers. He is indeed Most Generous and Munificent.