5 And I fear my kinsfolk after me, and my wife is barren, so grant me from Thyself an heir

6 Who should inherit me and inherit of the Children of Jacob, and make him, my Lord, acceptable (to Thee).

7 O Zacharias, We give thee good news of a boy, whose name is John: We have not made before anyone his equal.

8 He said: My Lord, how shall I have a son, and my wife is barren, and I have reached extreme old age?

9 He said: So (it will be). Thy Lord says: It is easy to Me, and indeed I created thee before, when thou wast nothing.

10 He said: My Lord, give me a sign. He said: Thy sign is that thou speak not to people three nights, being in sound health.

11 So he went forth to his people from the sanctuary and proclaimed to them: Glorify (Allāh) morning and evening.

12 O John, take hold of the Book with strength. And We granted him wisdom when a child,

13 And kind-heartedness from Us and purity. And he was dutiful,

14 And kindly to his parents, and he was not insolent, disobedient.

15 And peace on him the day he was born and the day he died, and the day he is raised to life!

16 And mention Mary in the Book. When she drew aside from her family to an eastern place;

17 So she screened herself from them. Then We sent to her Our spirit and it appeared to her as a well-made man.

18 She said: I flee for refuge from thee to the Beneficent, if thou art one guarding against evil.

19 He said: I am only bearer of a message of thy Lord: That I will give thee a pure boy.

20 She said: How can I have a son and no mortal has yet touched me, nor have I been unchaste?

21 He said: So (it will be). Thy Lord says: It is easy to Me; and that We may make him a sign to men and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter decreed.