mā means “that which,” restriction arises from the fact that definite nouns are among the forms expressing generality. Nouns are either definite or indefinite: definite nouns express generality, as does an indefinite noun in a non-affirmative context, such as negation and the like. Thus, His words:

“What they have made is a magician’s trick”

mean: that which they have made is a magician’s trick. As for the restriction expressed by innamā (“only”), it is of the same kind as restriction through negation and exception, as in His words, exalted is He:

“You are nothing but a human being like us,”

and:

“Muhammad is no more than a messenger.”

Restriction is sometimes described as the first term being restricted to the second, and sometimes the reverse description is used. The meaning is the same: the second is affirmed of the first, while other things that might be thought to apply to it are not affirmed. This does not mean that you deny of the first everything other than the second. Thus, His words:

“You are only a warner”

mean: you are not their Lord, nor the one who calls them to account or requites them, nor their guardian. As He says:

“You are not a controller over them,”

and:

“Your duty is only to convey the message.”

“The Messiah, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; messengers had passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth.”

He is not a god, nor is his mother a goddess. Rather, his highest rank is that of a messenger, just as Muhammad’s highest rank is that of a messenger, and Mary’s highest rank is that of a woman of truth.

This is among the passages cited to refute the claim of some later scholars that she was a prophet. Consensus that no woman was a prophet was reported by al-Qādī Abū Bakr