(45–58) “When the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, highly honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to Allah.’” ⦗131⦘

Allah Most High reports that the angels gave Mary—peace be upon her—the greatest glad tidings: Allah’s Word, His servant and Messenger, Jesus son of Mary. He was called the Word of Allah because he came into being by a word from Allah, for his case lay outside the ordinary chain of causes. Allah made him one of His signs and one of the wonders of His creation.

Allah therefore sent Gabriel—peace be upon him—to Mary. He blew into the neckline of her gown, and that fragrant breath from that pure angel entered her. Allah then brought forth from her that pure spirit. He was thus spiritual, having arisen from a spiritual source, and for this reason he was called the Spirit of Allah.

“Highly honored in this world and the Hereafter”: that is, he possesses immense honor in this world. Allah made him one of the Messengers of firm resolve, who brought the great revealed laws and had followers. Allah caused his renown to spread until it filled all that lies between East and West. In the Hereafter, he will be highly honored by Allah and will intercede, as will his brethren among the prophets and messengers. His excellence over most of creation will become manifest. For this reason, he is among those brought near to Allah—the creatures nearest to their Lord. Indeed, he—peace be upon him—is one of the foremost among those brought near.