Mary, known as Maryam in Arabic, holds a highly esteemed position in Islamic theology. Her story, deeply revered and widely known among Muslims, is a tale of piety, purity, and divine favor. Although she is more prominently featured in Christian theology as the mother of Jesus Christ, Mary also enjoys a significant and distinct role in the Quran, Islam’s holy scripture. Her narrative not only bridges the common heritage between Christianity and Islam but also emphasizes her unique status as one of the most righteous and devout women in Islamic tradition.
In the Quran, Mary is mentioned more times than in the New Testament, underscoring her importance in the Islamic faith. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, where an entire chapter, Surah Maryam (Chapter 19), is dedicated to her. By understanding who Mary is in the Quran, we gain insights into her revered position in Islam and the broader theological implications of her story.
Background
Mary’s Lineage and Birth
Mary’s story in the Quran begins long before her birth, with her lineage rooted in the prophetic tradition. According to Islamic tradition, Mary descends from a noble lineage, being from the family of Imran, who is mentioned in the Quran as a highly pious and righteous individual. The Quran states in Surah Al-Imran (3:33-34):
“Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of ‘Imran over the worlds – descendants, some of them from others. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
Mary’s mother, Hanna (or Anne in Christian tradition), is portrayed as a devout woman who, after years of barrenness, dedicated her unborn child to the service of God. She made a vow that if God granted her a child, she would dedicate the child to the Temple of Jerusalem. This dedication, however, was traditionally reserved for males, which led to some initial uncertainty when Mary was born. Yet, Hanna accepted God’s will and fulfilled her vow, offering her daughter Mary to serve in the Temple.
The Quranic narrative of Mary’s birth is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:35-36):
“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.’ But when she delivered her, she said, ‘My Lord, I have delivered a female.’ And Allah was most knowing of what she delivered, and the male is not like the female. ‘And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of Allah].'”
This passage highlights the significance of Mary’s birth, which is marked by divine intervention and foreshadows her future role in Islamic tradition. Despite being a female in a patriarchal society, Mary’s life is destined for a higher purpose.
Mary’s Early Life and Upbringing
Mary’s early life is depicted with an aura of divine protection and favor. The Quran emphasizes her purity and righteousness from an early age, describing how she was cared for by the prophet Zechariah (Zakariya in Arabic), who was her guardian and a close relative. Surah Al-Imran (3:37) narrates:
“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. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, ‘O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.’ “
This verse not only highlights Mary’s blessed status but also her close relationship with God, who directly provides for her needs. The miraculous provision that Zechariah witnesses strengthens his own faith and underscores Mary’s special place in the divine plan.
Mary’s upbringing in the Temple, surrounded by an atmosphere of worship and devotion, sets the stage for her later role as the mother of Jesus (Isa in Arabic). Her piety and dedication to God are central to her story, making her a model of faith for both men and women in the Islamic tradition.
See also: How Many Times Is Jesus Mentioned in the Quran
The Annunciation: Mary’s Encounter with the Angel
One of the most pivotal moments in Mary’s story is the Annunciation, where she receives the news of the miraculous birth of her son, Jesus. This event is narrated in detail in Surah Maryam (19:16-21):
“And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, ‘Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah.’ He said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.’ She said, ‘How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?’ He 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.”‘ “
In this passage, the angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) appears to Mary in human form to announce that she will bear a son, despite being a virgin. This encounter underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth, a central theme in both Christian and Islamic theology. However, the Quran places significant emphasis on Mary’s purity and her absolute trust in God’s will, even in the face of an incomprehensible situation.
The Birth of Jesus and Mary’s Trials
The birth of Jesus is depicted in the Quran with a focus on Mary’s experience as a mother chosen by God for a unique and miraculous task. Surah Maryam (19:22-26) describes her labor and the divine assistance she receives:
“So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, ‘Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten.’ But he called her from below her, ‘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. So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, “Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.”‘ “
This narrative emphasizes Mary’s humanity, depicting her in a moment of great vulnerability and distress. Yet, it also illustrates God’s compassion and provision, as He miraculously provides sustenance and reassurance to Mary during her time of need. The image of Mary under the palm tree, receiving divine comfort, is a powerful symbol of faith and reliance on God.
After Jesus’ birth, Mary faces the challenge of returning to her community, where she is likely to be accused of immorality. However, God instructs her to remain silent and let the infant Jesus speak on her behalf. In Surah Maryam (19:27-33), Jesus miraculously speaks from the cradle, defending his mother’s honor and declaring his prophethood:
“Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, ‘O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented. O sister of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste.’ So she pointed to him. They said, ‘How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child?’ [Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive. And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.’ “
This passage not only exonerates Mary but also establishes the infant Jesus as a prophet from birth, a significant difference from the Christian narrative. In the Quranic account, Mary’s trials are ultimately vindicated by divine intervention, further highlighting her elevated status and the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth.
Mary’s Piety and Virtue
Throughout the Quran, Mary is consistently portrayed as a paragon of piety and virtue. Her faith, humility, and submission to God’s will are central themes in her story. In Surah Al-Tahrim (66:12), Mary is praised for her chastity and her unwavering belief in God’s words:
“And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel, and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.”
This verse underscores Mary’s role as a model of faith for all believers. Her unwavering trust in God, even in the face of unimaginable challenges, serves as an example of true submission to divine will. Mary’s story is not just about her role as the mother of Jesus but also about her own spiritual journey and her deep connection with God.
Mary in Islamic Tradition and Theology
Beyond the Quranic narrative, Mary holds a revered place in Islamic tradition and theology. She is considered one of the four greatest women in Islam, along with Khadijah (the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad), Fatimah (the daughter of Muhammad), and Asiya (the wife of Pharaoh). These women are often cited as exemplars of faith, courage, and piety in Islamic teachings.
In Islamic eschatology, Mary is also expected to play a role in the end times. Some Islamic traditions suggest that she will be one of the women who accompany Jesus when he returns to earth. This belief further underscores her ongoing significance in Islamic thought.
Mary’s depiction in the Quran and Islamic tradition also serves as a point of interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Christians. While the two faiths differ in their views of Jesus’ divinity, Mary’s honored position in both religions provides common ground for understanding and mutual respect.
Conclusion
Mary, known as Maryam in the Quran, is a figure of immense significance in Islamic theology. Her story, characterized by divine favor, miraculous events, and unwavering faith, is a powerful testament to her piety and virtue. The Quranic portrayal of Mary emphasizes her unique status as the mother of Jesus and a model of righteousness for all believers.
Through her story, the Quran teaches important lessons about faith, submission to God’s will, and the importance of piety and humility. Mary’s narrative also highlights the shared heritage between Islam and Christianity, offering a point of connection between the two faiths.
In conclusion, Mary’s story in the Quran is not just about her role as the mother of Jesus but also about her own spiritual journey and her exemplary character. Her life serves as an inspiration to Muslims and Christians alike, reminding us of the power of faith and the importance of trusting in God’s plan.