Who is Maryam (Mary) In Islam?

Whos is Maryam (Mary) In Islam?

Maryam, peace be upon her, holds an exceptional place in Islam. She is one of the most revered women, recognized for her purity, devotion, and remarkable role in history.

Her story, as recounted in the Quran and Islamic Stories, is a testament to unwavering faith and dedication.

But the Christians have regarded her and her son as two deities alongside Allah, and they revere them in addition to Allah, while the Muslims worship solely One God, and those who believe exclusively in Allah are more united. Allah, may He be glorified, says in the Quran;

وَإِذْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَـٰعِيسَى ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ ءَأَنتَ قُلْتَ لِلنَّاسِ ٱتَّخِذُونِى وَأُمِّىَ إِلَـٰهَيْنِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ قَالَ سُبْحَـٰنَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِىٓ أَنْ أَقُولَ مَا لَيْسَ لِى بِحَقٍّ ۚ إِن كُنتُ قُلْتُهُۥ فَقَدْ عَلِمْتَهُۥ ۚ تَعْلَمُ مَا فِى نَفْسِى وَلَآ أَعْلَمُ مَا فِى نَفْسِكَ ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّـٰمُ ٱلْغُيُوبِ ١١٦

And ˹on Judgment Day˺ Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you ever ask the people to worship you and your mother as gods besides Allah?” He will answer, “Glory be to You! How could I ever say what I had no right to say? If I had said such a thing, you would have certainly known it. You know what is ˹hidden˺ within me, but I do not know what is within You. Indeed, You ˹alone˺ are the Knower of all unseen.

Who's Mary?

This article delves into her life, her virtues, and her unparalleled status within Islam.

The Blessed Birth of Maryam

The story of Maryam begins even before her birth, with her mother, Hannah (or the wife of Imran), who prayed fervently for a child.

When she became pregnant, she vowed to dedicate the child to the service of Allah. This pure intention reflects the family’s deep piety.

The Quran recounts this heartfelt prayer:

إِذْ قَالَتِ ٱمْرَأَتُ عِمْرَٰنَ رَبِّ إِنِّى نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِى بَطْنِى مُحَرَّرًۭا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّىٓ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٣٥

“When the wife of Imran said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service], so accept this from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:35)

To her surprise, she gave birth to a daughter. Despite societal norms that placed more emphasis on male children for religious service, Hannah fulfilled her vow.

She named her Maryam and sought Allah’s protection for her and her descendants from evil.

Maryam’s early life was marked by divine blessings. She grew up under the guardianship of Prophet Zechariah (Zakariya, peace be upon him), who provided for her spiritual and physical needs.

Her upbringing was in a sacred environment, setting the foundation for her extraordinary role in Allah’s plan.

Maryam’s unmatched devotion

Maryam was distinguished by her unparalleled devotion to worship.

She spent her days in deep connection with Allah, her time divided between prayer, reflection, and acts of obedience.

Her dedication is so profound that Allah mentions her as a role model for believers.

The Quran highlights her piety:

The Quran depicts Maryam as a genuine servant of Allah, demonstrating humility and obedience to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

Whos is Maryam (Mary) In Islam?

“And [mention] when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.'” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:42)

Imagine receiving such a message from the angels! Maryam’s faith only grew stronger.

She accepted this honor with humility, recognizing it as a responsibility rather than a privilege.

Her life is a beacon of spiritual excellence, inspiring believers to seek closeness to Allah with sincerity and devotion.

The Miracle of Maryam

Maryam’s life reached its most pivotal moment with the miraculous birth of Prophet Isa (peace be upon him). It is a story that emphasizes her unique status and Allah’s infinite power.

While in seclusion, Maryam was visited by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel, peace be upon him) in the form of a man.

Understandably startled, she sought Allah’s protection. The angel reassured her and conveyed Allah’s message that she would bear a child, a sign of divine will.

Her immediate reaction was one of amazement:

قَالَتْ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِى غُلَـٰمٌۭ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِى بَشَرٌۭ وَلَمْ أَكُ بَغِيًّۭا ٢٠

“She said, ‘How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?'” (Surah Maryam, 19:20)

The response was clear:

“[The angel] said, ‘Thus it will be. Your Lord says, “It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.”‘” (Surah Maryam, 19:21)

The Quran emphasizes that Maryam’s pregnancy was not an ordinary event but a manifestation of Allah’s command. Her child, Isa (peace be upon him), would be a prophet, chosen to guide humanity.

Maryam’s Strength and Faith

The trials Maryam faced during her pregnancy were immense. She withdrew from her people to avoid their judgment and accusations, enduring emotional and physical hardship. Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast.

As the time of delivery approached, she sought refuge under a date palm tree, feeling overwhelmed. Her plea to Allah is one of the most human and relatable moments in her story.

Whos is Maryam (Mary) In Islam?

In response, Allah provided her with comfort and sustenance. A voice reassured her:

فَنَادَىٰهَا مِن تَحْتِهَآ أَلَّا تَحْزَنِى قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ سَرِيًّۭا ٢٤

وَهُزِّىٓ إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ ٱلنَّخْلَةِ تُسَـٰقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًۭا جَنِيًّۭا ٢٥

“Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates.” (Surah Maryam, 19:24-25)

This moment showcases not only Allah’s mercy but also Maryam’s resilience. Even in her most vulnerable state, she was guided and supported, reflecting her unwavering trust in Allah.

Maryam’s Return to Her People

After giving birth, Maryam returned to her people, carrying her newborn son. Understandably, her community was shocked and questioned her about the child.

Accusations flew, as they could not comprehend the miraculous nature of Isa’s birth.

Maryam, as instructed by Allah, remained silent and pointed to the baby. This act, though simple, was profoundly symbolic of her trust in Allah.

Her silence spoke volumes, as it demonstrated her reliance on divine intervention to clear her name.

Then, a miracle unfolded: Isa (peace be upon him) spoke in infancy to defend his mother and declare his prophetic mission:

قَالَ إِنِّى عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ ءَاتَىٰنِىَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَجَعَلَنِى نَبِيًّۭا ٣٠

Jesus said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.'” (Surah Maryam, 19:30)

This miraculous event silenced the doubters and confirmed Maryam’s purity and truthfulness.

Maryam’s Legacy

Maryam’s legacy in Islam is unparalleled. She is honored not only for her role as the mother of a prophet but also for her virtues, which serve as a timeless example for all believers.

  1. A role model for purity and faith
    • Maryam’s life epitomizes the importance of spiritual purity, humility, and unwavering faith. She is an inspiration for those who face trials, teaching patience and reliance on Allah.
  2. Symbol of Female Empowerment
    • In a world where women’s contributions were often overlooked, Maryam’s story stands as a testament to the significant roles women can play in shaping history and spirituality.
  3. A Reminder of Allah’s Power
    • Her miraculous story reinforces the concept that nothing is impossible for Allah. Through her, believers are reminded of Allah’s ability to create and command beyond human understanding.

Maryam in the Quran

Maryam is one of the few individuals mentioned by name in the Quran, and she is the only woman with a chapter named after her: Surah Maryam. This distinction underscores her elevated status.

She is also mentioned in Surah Aal-e-Imran, Surah An-Nisa, and other chapters.

These references highlight her virtues, her role in the miraculous birth of Isa (peace be upon him), and her unwavering devotion to Allah.

Lessons from Maryam’s Life

There are countless lessons to draw from Maryam’s story, each relevant to believers in every era:

  1. Trust in Allah’s Plan: Maryam’s acceptance of her unique role teaches believers to trust in Allah’s wisdom, even in the face of challenges.
  2. Patience in Trials: Her strength during hardship is a powerful example of patience and resilience.
  3. The Importance of Worship: Her life demonstrates the value of dedicating oneself to Allah through prayer and reflection.

Conclusion

Maryam, peace be upon her, is an extraordinary figure in Islam. Her story is one of faith, strength, and divine favor.

As a role model for all believers, she inspires devotion, patience, and trust in Allah’s plan.

Through her remarkable journey, we are reminded of the importance of staying connected to Allah, even in the face of life’s most daunting challenges.

Maryam’s legacy continues to shine as a beacon of hope, guidance, and inspiration for generations to come.

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Zaky Shoobley

Writing is fun and I enjoy it