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Did you know Maryam (AS), the mother of Prophet Isa (AS), is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran? She holds a very special place in Islam due to her strong faith, purity, and obedience to Allah. She is regarded as the best woman of her time, as Ali (RA) heard the Prophet (PBUH) say,
‘Mary, the daughter of Imran, was the best among the women (of the world of her time) and Khadija is the best amongst the women (of this nation).’
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 3432)
In this blog, you will learn about the life story of Maryam (AS), one of the greatest women Allah created, her significance in Islam, and how she inspires Muslims worldwide.
Maryam (AS), known as Mary in the Christian tradition, was the daughter of Imran and Hannah from the family lineage of Dawud (AS). She was from a good and wholesome family of the Children of Israel.
From a young age, she dedicated herself to worshipping Allah and lived a pure life under her uncle Prophet Zakariyya's (AS) care. She was chosen by Allah for the divine purpose: to be the mother of Prophet Isa (AS) (Jesus), even though she was a virgin.
More insights into her remarkable journey are shared below:
According to Muhammad Ibn Ishaq, the famous biographer of the Prophet (PBUH), Imran and his wife were childless. One day, Hannah saw a bird feeding its chick and prayed to Allah for a child. When she became pregnant, she vowed to dedicate her child to the worship of Allah and the service of the sacred Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.
It is also mentioned in the Quran,
(Remember) when the wife of Imran said, ‘My Lord! I dedicate what is in my womb entirely to Your service…’
(Surah Al-Imran, verse 35)
Allah responded beautifully to Hannah’s dua for a child and He bestowed her with a pious and faithful girl whom she named Maryam (AS). Hannah also asked Allah to protect her child from the devil, and Allah accepted her prayer so completely that the devil couldn’t even touch her.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
‘No child is born but he is pricked by satan and he begins to weep because of the pricking of satan except the son of Mary and his mother.’
(Sahih Muslim 2366a)
As mentioned earlier, Allah accepted Maryam (AS) as a result of Hannah’s promise to dedicate her daughter to the worship of Allah Almighty. He blessed her with delightful manners and a pure heart. He also put her in the care of Prophet Zakariyya (AS), who was Maryam’s (AS) uncle.
Allah says of Maryam (AS) in the Quran,
‘So her Lord accepted her graciously and blessed her with a pleasant upbringing—entrusting her to the care of Zakariyya…’
(Surah Al-Imran, verse 37)
Allah chose Prophet Zakariyya (AS) to be Maryam's (AS) guardian so she could learn from his great wisdom and good character. As Maryam (AS) grew up, she became more pious and spent much time in secluded worship. Her dedication to Allah inspires everyone to pray with full concentration.
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In the Holy Book of the Quran, Allah emphasises her honour and virtue at the place of worship she attended. Every time Zakariyya (AS) entered the Mihrab (prayer niche) to visit her, he found that she had food and provisions with her.
He would ask Maryam (AS),
‘O Maryam, from where have you gotten this (referring to the fruits)?’
She would respond,
‘It is from Allah. Surely Allah provides for whoever He wills without limit.’
(Surah Al-Imran, verse 37)
One day, while Maryam (AS) was in seclusion, Allah sent Angel Jibril (AS) in the form of man, as narrated in Surah Maryam. She immediately appealed, ‘I truly seek refuge in the Most Compassionate from you! (So leave me alone) if you are God-fearing.’
Upon hearing this, Angel Jibril (AS) replied,
‘I am only a messenger from your Lord, (sent) to bless you with a pure son.'
(Surah Maryam, verse 19)
She was amazed at the idea of being the mother of a son when she neither had a husband nor had any man ever touched her (i.e., through fornication). But Jabril (AS) said that it is something easy for Allah Almighty and it is a matter already decreed. Here, the creation of Isa (AS) is a sign for everyone, showing Allah's amazing power. Nothing is hard for Allah - He simply says ‘Kun (Be!)’ and whatever He wants to create comes into existence.
So, Maryam (AS) conceived Prophet Isa (AS) and withdrew with him to a remote place. When she gave birth to Prophet Isa (AS), she was alone, under a palm tree and beside a small stream. It is impossible to imagine what she must have gone through.
Childbirth is one of the most painful things a human being can experience. At that time, Maryam (AS) She knew that she was going to be tested with the birth, the people would not assist her, and they would not believe her story. She even wished that she could die and be forgotten.
‘Then the pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She cried, “Alas! I wish I had died before this, and was a thing long forgotten!”’
(Surah Maryam, verse 23)
But look at how Allah honoured her instead! She is the only woman mentioned by name many times in the Holy Quran (Surah Al-Imran, Surah An-Nisa), and SubhanAllah, there is even a whole Surah named after her, Surah Maryam.
Maryam (AS) went through many challenges, like being judged by people and feeling alone because of her miraculous pregnancy. Her story shows great patience and strength during tough times. When she gave birth to Prophet Isa (AS), Allah commanded her,
‘So eat and drink, and put your heart at ease. But if you see any of the people, say, ‘I have vowed silence to the Most Compassionate, so I am not talking to anyone today.’
(Surah Maryam, verse 26)
Then, she returned to her people, carrying Isa (AS). They began to judge her, exclaiming that while her parents were righteous, she had committed a horrible thing. At this moment, Allah’s power intervened and proved Maryam’s (AS) purity and goodness. She pointed to her infant, and the miracle occurred: he began to speak and declared his prophethood.
‘Jesus declared, I am truly a servant of Allah. He has destined me to be given the Scripture and to be a prophet… and to be kind to my mother. He has not made me arrogant or defiant.’
(Surah Maryam, verse 30-32)
The story of the birth of Prophet Isa (AS) reminds Muslims that Allah is capable of anything, no matter how impossible it may seem to human beings.
In Islam, four women are honoured as role models of virtue and excellence: Asiya (RA), Maryam (AS), Khadija (RA), and Fatima (RA). Each of these amazing women is remembered for her special qualities and invaluable contributions to Islam.
Anas bin Malik reported that the Prophet (PBUH) had said,
‘Four women are sufficient for you as the (best) women of the world: Maryam daughter of Imran, Asiya wife of Pharaoh, Khadija daughter of Khuwaylid and Fatima daughter of Muhammad.’
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 3, P. 135)
As Muslims, there is much to learn from the courage and unwavering faith of Maryam (AS). Some of the profound lessons from her life story are outlined below:
a. Always have Tawakkul (Trust) in Allah’s plan and appreciate His blessings. The story of Maryam’s (AS) birth inspires people to make a dua and put their complete trust in Allah, who will grant blessings far beyond what they could ever imagine.
b. Never worry about your rizq, as Allah is Ar-Razzaq (The Provider). Whatever Allah has written for you will always reach you. Maryam (AS) receiving fruits out of season from Allah is a testament to His power to provide.
c. The miracle of Prophet Isa’s (AS) birth proves that Allah is capable of anything. Therefore, one must not lose hope in Allah, as He can make the impossible possible for those with sincere intentions.
d. The trials of life are blessings in disguise, as illustrated by the struggles and tests faced by Maryam (AS). When faced with difficulties, one may feel lost and hopeless. However, such trials could be a blessing from Allah.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
‘Strange is the affair of a believer, as there is good for him in every matter for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.’
(Sahih Muslim 2999)
In conclusion, the story of Maryam (AS) is a profound example of unwavering faith, resilience, and divine grace. Her life highlights the importance of trusting Allah’s plan, maintaining patience through trials, and embracing the blessings and responsibilities Allah bestows upon His servants. As our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said,
‘The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.’
(Sunan Ibn Majah 4031)
Maryam (AS) continues to inspire Muslims around the world with her piety, strength, and devotion to Allah. She also reminds us that Allah’s tests are opportunities to get closer to Him and seek His pleasure.
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