Maryam, known as Mary in Christian traditions, is a prominent figure in Islam, celebrated for her piety and purity as the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus).
- Quranic Account:
- Maryam’s story is highlighted in various Quranic chapters, illustrating her devotion and virtue. Her life reflects divine selection and spiritual honor, emphasizing themes of faith and miraculous occurrences.
- Birth and Upbringing: Maryam’s dedication to God’s service began with her mother’s prayer for a devout child. Surah Al-Imran (3:35-37) details her upbringing under Prophet Zakariya’s (Zechariah) care, underscoring her special status: “So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zechariah…” (Quran 3:37).
- Annunciation of Jesus:
- The Quran recounts the momentous occasion when angels informed Maryam of her selection above all women and the forthcoming miraculous birth of Jesus. Surah Al-Imran (3:42-47) describes this significant event, with verse 3:45 remarking: “When the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary…'”
- Miraculous Birth:
- Maryam’s withdrawal to a secluded place and the miraculous conception of Jesus are recounted in Surah Maryam (19:16-22). This event is marked by the engagement with the angel Gabriel, who announces the birth of a pure son: “He said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.'” (Quran 19:19-21).
- Defense of Maryam’s Honor:
- Upon returning to her people with her newborn son, Jesus spoke miraculously in infancy, defending Maryam’s honor in Surah Maryam (19:27-33). His declaration is captured in verse 19:30: “He [Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.'”
- Representing Universal Virtues:
- Maryam exemplifies virtues such as humility, obedience to God’s will, and patience. These attributes make her a universal figure of adoration and respect across various cultures and religious traditions.
- Maryam’s Purity and Status:
- The Quran awards Maryam high standing and acknowledges her chastity. Surah Al-Anbiya (21:91) celebrates her virtue and the sign that her and Jesus’s lives represent: “And [mention] the one who guarded her chastity, so We blew into her through Our angel, and We made her and her son a sign for the worlds.”
Spiritual Influence:
- Maryam serves as a role model of faith, patience, and righteousness, embodying values that inspire both women and men within Islamic tradition.
Legacy and Reverence:
- Honored in both major world religions, Maryam’s story underscores shared spiritual heritage and enduring lessons of devotion, humility, and divine grace.
Maryam represents spiritual ideals, her life and legacy exemplifying profound faith and commitment, uniting diverse religious traditions through shared reverence.
Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.