the Almighty. She pointed to the child, and they scoffed at her, saying, “How can we speak to one who is still a baby in the cradle?” (19:29). Such a thing, they thought, was impossible.

But the child turned to them and spoke these wondrous, eloquent words:

“Indeed I am Allah’s servant. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet, and He has made me blessed wherever I may be. He has enjoined upon me prayer and almsgiving as long as I live, and He has made me dutiful to my mother; He has not made me arrogant or miserable. So peace is upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive” (19:30–33).

Seven complete sentences—Allahu akbar!—from an infant in the cradle.

Yet do not be amazed, for Allah’s power transcends all things. Will not our skins, our hands, our feet, and our tongues testify against us on the Day of Resurrection about what we have done? Indeed they will. And will not the earth itself relate its news when your Lord inspires it? Indeed it will: “That Day it will declare its news, for your Lord will have inspired it” (99:4–5).

Such were the words of Jesus son of Mary: seven magnificent statements, uttered while he was still in the cradle.

As for the second infant who spoke, he was the child connected to Jurayj. Jurayj was a devout worshipper who withdrew from people; seclusion is preferable when mixing with others poses a danger to one’s faith. If no harm lies in mingling, however, then interacting is better. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The believer who mixes with people and patiently endures their harm is better than the believer who does not mix with them and does not endure their harm.”