M. H. Shakir, The Holy Quran; Arabic Text and English Translation; Foot-notes by M. H. Shakir (1974)

charge of Zakariya; whenever Zakariya entered the sanctuary to (see) her, he found with her food. He said: O Marium I whence comes this to you? She Said: It is from Allah. Surely Allah gives to whom He pleases without measure.

37. There did Zakariya pray to his Lord; he said: My Lord! grant me from Thee good offspring; surely Thou art the Hearer of prayer.

38. Then the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: That Allah gives you the good news of Yahya verifying a Word from Allah, and honourable and chaste and a prophet from among the good ones.

39. He said: My Lord! when shall there be a son (born) to me, and old age has already come upon me, and my wife is barren? He said: Even thus does Allah what He pleases.

40. He said: My Lord! appoint a sign for me. Said He: Your sign is that you should not speak to men for three days except by signs; and remember your Lord much and glorify Him in the