بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
أو كالذى مرَّ على قريةٍ و هى خاوية على عروشها ج قال انّى يحيى هذه الله بعد موتها ج فاماته الله مائة عام ثمّ بعثه
(Surah Baqarah, Verse 259)
Translation: Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by the village, all in ruins to its roots. He said: "Oh! How shall Allah bring it back to life after its death?" So Allah caused him ('Uzair) to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again).
This was 'Uzair (عزير عليه السلام) (Some scholars are of the opinion that he was a prophet hence, 'Alayhis Salam) - (The answer of riddle)
He memorized the complete Torah for which reason the Banu Israeel called him 'Uzair Ibnullah ('Uzair son of Allah) - Na'oozhubillah
Bukht Nasr was a Kaafir (non-Muslim) king. He desolated Baytul Maqdis and also took many people of Banu Israel as prisoners. Amongst these prisoners was Hadhrat Uzair (Alayhis Salam). When he was released, he came across a deserted town in ruins. Observing it, a thought crossed his mind, "The villagers have all died, the town is in ruins, how will Allah bring it back to life and how can the town once again be cultivated?
After this thought, his sole was captured. Uzair (Alayhis Salam)'s transport which was a donkey was also put to sleep with him for a hundred years.
During this period of 100 years, no one saw them. Therefore they remained in the same condition. Bukht Nasr also died. A new ruler took over Baytul Maqdis. He also polished up the deserted village. After the hundred years, 'Uzair (Alayhis Salam) was brought back to life. His food and drink was left unchanged next to him along with his donkey which was just rotten bones now.
In front of Uzair Alaihis Salam, his donkey was brought back to life by Allah. During this period of hundred years, Banu Israel were released. Uzair (Alayhis Salam) saw the population after being brought back to life.
قال كم لبثت ط قال لبثت يوما او بعض يوم
Translation: He (Allah) said, "How long did you remain (dead)." He (Uzair) said, "(Perhaps) a day or part of a day."
When Uzair Alayhis Salam's sole was captured, it was almost sunrise and when we he awoke, it was not even evening yet. So he assumed, it's only been a day or even part of day.
قال بل لبثت مئة عام فانظرالى طعامك و شرابك لم يتسنّه ط والنظر الى العظام كيف ننشزها ثم نكسوها لحما
(2:259)
Translation: He said: "Nay, you have tarried for a hundred years: But look at your food and your drink; they show no sign of age: and look at your donkey: And that we make you a sign unto the people. Look further at the bones, how we bring them together and clothe them with flesh."
In front of Hadhrat 'Uzair, all the bones of the donkey were joint together in order. Then flesh was spread over it and finally the skin was put in place. Then with the nature, the omnipotence and the divine power of Allah, life came into the donkey once again. It then stood up and made noises in its language.
فلمّا تبيّن له لا قال اعلم ان الله على كل شيءٍ قدير
(2:259)
Translation: When this was shown clearly to him, he said: "I know that Allah hath power over all things."
After 'Uzair (Alayhis Salaam) had experienced all this, he said, "I strongly believe that Allah indeed over powers all."
Hope this helps InshaAllah? translated from Ma'aariful Qur'aan and other sources.
