Page 81 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman

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This expression is used in the Qur'an only in regard to the Prophet
Jesus (pbuh) because all of the other Prophets that we know about fulfilled
their responsibility of calling their people to belief after they had already
reached a mature age. In the case of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), however, it
points out a miraculous situation, because the expressions in the cradle and
when fully grown highlight the two miraculous times.
At-Tabari, in his work The Commentary of at-Tabari, explains these ex-

pressions in the following terms:
These statements (Surat al-Ma'ida 110) indicate that in order to complete his
lifespan and speak to people when fully grown, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will
come down from Heaven. That is because he was raised to Heaven when still
young. This verse (Surah Al 'Imran, 46) provides evidence that the Prophet
Jesus (pbuh) is living. The Ahl al-Sunnah share this view, because this verse
states that he will speak to people when fully grown. He will be able to grow
fully only when he returns to Earth from Heaven. 15