Surah Maryam 19:48
سُورَةُ مَرۡيَمَ · Meccan · Verse 48 of 98
وَأَعْتَزِلُكُمْ وَمَا تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَأَدْعُوا۟ رَبِّى عَسَىٰٓ أَلَّآ أَكُونَ بِدُعَآءِ رَبِّى شَقِيًّۭا
Translation
but for now I will leave you, and the idols you all pray to, and I will pray to my Lord and trust that my prayer will not be in vain.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Here, Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, declares his clear stance to his father and his people after their rejection and threats. This verse marks a pivotal moment of withdrawal and a renewed commitment to Allah alone. Let us reflect on the precise words chosen to convey this profound message.
A Clear Separation
Ibrahim begins, "وَأَعْتَزِلُكُمْ" (And I will withdraw from you). The word "أعتزل" signifies a deliberate, conscious separation. It's not just a physical departure, though it did include his migration to Sham, as explained by al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur. It's a fundamental disassociation from their way of life and their beliefs. He then specifies what he is withdrawing from: "وَمَا تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ" (and what you invoke/worship besides Allah). Scholars like al-Jalalayn, al-Zamakhshari, and Ibn Ashur clarify that "تدعون" here means "worship." Ibrahim explicitly states that his rejection encompasses not only the people but also their idols and false deities. Ibn Ashur notes that by using the general term "what you invoke," Ibrahim emphasizes the fundamental reason for his withdrawal: anything worshipped apart from Allah.
Turning to the True Lord
In direct contrast to their false worship, Ibrahim declares, "وَأَدْعُو رَبِّى" (And I will invoke/worship my Lord). The repetition of "دعاء" (invocation/worship) for both Allah and the false deities highlights the stark difference in what is being worshipped. Importantly, Ibrahim says "رَبِّي" (my Lord), adding the possessive "my." Ibn Ashur explains that this personal connection underscores his unique relationship with Allah. It signifies that Allah is *his* Lord, exclusively, among a people who have adopted other gods. This demonstrates an immense pride and honor in his singular devotion to Allah.
Hope Amidst Trial
Ibrahim concludes with a beautiful expression of hope and humility: "عَسَىٰٓ أَلَّآ أَكُونَ بِدُعَآءِ رَبِّى شَقِيًّۭا" (Perhaps I will not be wretched in invoking my Lord). The word "عسى" (perhaps or hopefully) conveys a sense of humility and reliance on Allah's grace, as noted by al-Zamakhshari. It implies a deep yearning to not be deprived or unfortunate due to his devotion. This statement also carries a subtle but powerful message for his people. As Ibn Ashur and al-Razi point out, by expressing his *hope* not to be wretched in his worship of Allah, Ibrahim implicitly highlights the wretchedness and ultimate failure of those who invoke false deities. His words serve as both a personal declaration of faith and a gentle, yet firm, admonition to his family and community.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Maryam 19:48 is discussed in 6 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Maryam 19:48 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.