39. While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him:
"Allah doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a Word from
Allah, and [be besides] noble, chaste, and a prophet,- of the [goodly] company
of the righteous."
40. He said: "O my Lord! How shall I have son, seeing I am very old, and my wife
is barren?" "Thus," was the answer, "Doth Allah accomplish what He willeth."
41. He said: "O my Lord! Give me a Sign!" "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be
that thou shalt speak to no man for three days but with signals. Then celebrate
the praises of thy Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the evening and in
the morning."