Selected Exegesis

In the continuation of the dialogue between the angels and Mary (a.s.), the angels, while conveying the divine message in a way that conveyed the greatness of the matter, asked her to show three forms of gratitude in response to the three virtues and glad tidings: personal choosing (iṣṭifāʾ nafsī), personal purification (taṭhīr nafsī), and genealogical choosing (iṣṭifāʾ nasabī). She was to maintain constant humility, prostration, and bowing, and follow the way of those who pray, as prostration and bowing are important parts of prayer, with prostration being the most excellent part.

The mentioned call was of the nature of action-revelation (waḥy fiʿl) rather than legal-revelation (waḥy ḥukm); meaning that Mary received an inner inclination toward devotion (qunūt), prostration (sujūd), and bowing (rukūʿ), rather than a new command to perform these actions. Therefore, these inclinations were of the nature of actions, not rulings.

She affirmed and implemented this guidance in the best possible way, and God also affirmed her constant devotion and humility.