Maryam (Mary) bint Imran (RA): The Pure and Honorable Mother of Isa (AS)
Maryam (Mary) bint Imran (RA), the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus) (AS), holds a significant and revered place in Islamic tradition. She is one of the four women mentioned in the Qur'an as being among the best of all women, alongside Khadijah (RA), Fatimah (RA), and Asiya (RA), the wife of Pharaoh. Maryam (RA) is admired for her piety, purity, and unwavering faith in Allah. Her life story is an exemplary model of trust in Allah's will, devotion, and resilience in the face of hardship.
Maryam (RA) is not only an important figure in Islam, but she is also held in high regard in Christianity. The Islamic perspective, however, offers a distinctive view of her life and her role in the divine plan, showing her as a symbol of modesty, faith, and maternal love.
Maryam (RA): A Woman of Purity and Piety
Maryam’s (RA) story begins long before the miraculous birth of her son, Isa (AS). Her mother, the wife of Imran, made a vow to Allah that if she were to have a child, she would dedicate him to the service of Allah. When Maryam (RA) was born, she was dedicated to the temple and raised in the care of the Prophet Zakariya (AS), who was her guardian.
The Miraculous Birth of Maryam (RA)
Maryam (RA) was born into a family of great faith, and from a young age, she exhibited remarkable qualities of devotion and humility. According to the Qur’an, Maryam’s (RA) birth was an answer to her mother’s prayer:
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“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.’” (Quran 3:35)
From her birth, she was set apart for the service of Allah. She grew up in the care of Prophet Zakariya (AS), who often saw signs of Allah’s mercy and protection surrounding her. She was provided with sustenance in ways that amazed him, and this strengthened her trust in Allah.
The Miracle of the Annunciation
The most defining moment in Maryam’s (RA) life came when she was visited by the angel Jibril (Gabriel) who gave her the great news that she would give birth to a son, despite being a virgin.
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“[The angel] said, ‘Indeed, I am the messenger of your Lord to give you the news of a pure boy.’ She said, ‘How can I have a boy while no man has touched me?’ He said, ‘Thus has said your Lord; it is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter already decreed.’” (Quran 19:19-21)
This miraculous conception was a clear sign of Allah’s power. Maryam (RA) was chosen for a divine purpose — to be the mother of Prophet Isa (AS). Despite the shock and uncertainty she must have felt, she submitted to Allah’s will without hesitation, demonstrating immense trust and faith.
Maryam (RA): A Model of Faith and Patience
The story of Maryam (RA) reflects great strength, patience, and complete reliance on Allah. After the announcement of her miraculous pregnancy, Maryam (RA) was faced with the challenge of how to explain her condition to her people, who would doubt and accuse her. However, she trusted in Allah’s plan, and when she returned to her people, she remained silent and pointed to her infant son, Isa (AS), as the one who would speak for her.
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“So she pointed to him. They said, ‘How can we speak to one who is in the cradle, a child?’ [Isa] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.’” (Quran 19:29-30)
This event was one of the many miracles in the life of Isa (AS), who spoke as an infant, defending his mother and affirming his mission as a prophet of Allah. Through this miracle, Maryam (RA) was vindicated and protected by Allah, showing that her faith and submission were rewarded.
Maryam’s (RA) Role as a Mother and Protector of Isa (AS)
Maryam (RA) played a critical role as the mother of one of the greatest prophets in Islam. After Isa (AS) was born, she was faced with many trials and tribulations, but she always placed her trust in Allah. As a mother, she nurtured Isa (AS) with love and guidance, knowing that her son would one day carry out an extraordinary mission.
Her Protection of Isa (AS)
One of the most difficult moments in Maryam’s (RA) life came when her son, Isa (AS), began his mission as a prophet. His teachings, which called for the worship of the one true God, were met with resistance and hostility from those who opposed his message. As Isa (AS) faced threats from those who wished to harm him, Maryam (RA) stood by her son, supporting him in his mission and protecting him from danger.
In the Qur'an, it is mentioned that when Allah decided to raise Isa (AS) up to Himself, He spared Maryam (RA) from witnessing the trial of her son’s crucifixion, a belief upheld in Islam. This was a special mercy from Allah, and Maryam (RA) continued to live with the memory of her son’s miraculous life and teachings.
Maryam (RA) as a Symbol of Modesty and Devotion
Maryam (RA) is often referred to as a symbol of modesty, purity, and devotion to Allah. Her entire life was characterized by her unwavering submission to Allah’s will, her chastity, and her dedication to worship.
Her Virtue and Purity
Maryam (RA) was chosen by Allah to be pure and to give birth to Isa (AS) without the intercession of a man. Her purity was not just physical but also spiritual. The Qur’an says:
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“And (the example of) Maryam the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her from Our Spirit and she believed in the words of her Lord and His books and was of the obedient.” (Quran 66:12)
She was an example of modesty in both her actions and her speech, and she never sought the attention or admiration of others, instead focusing solely on her relationship with Allah. Her piety and moral integrity are qualities that continue to inspire Muslims, particularly women, to uphold the values of modesty and righteousness.
Her Patience and Strength in Trials
Maryam (RA) faced many trials throughout her life. The news of her miraculous pregnancy would have been a source of social stigma and hardship, yet she endured it with patience and grace. Her unwavering trust in Allah and her strength in the face of adversity demonstrate the resilience that believers should strive for.
Lessons from the Life of Maryam (RA)
The life of Maryam (RA) offers many valuable lessons for Muslims, especially in terms of faith, trust in Allah, and resilience in the face of trials. Some of the key lessons we can learn from her life include:
1. Trust in Allah’s Plan
Maryam (RA) exemplified complete trust in Allah’s plan, even when it seemed difficult to understand. She surrendered to His will with complete humility and faith, showing that sometimes, the path of righteousness may not be easy, but it always leads to Allah’s mercy.
2. Modesty and Purity
Maryam (RA) is the epitome of modesty and purity, both physically and spiritually. Her life encourages us to maintain our dignity, uphold our faith, and remain humble in all aspects of life.
3. Patience in Adversity
Despite facing immense social stigma, personal hardship, and danger, Maryam (RA) remained patient and composed, never losing faith in Allah. Her example teaches us that patience during trials is a sign of faith and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
4. Devotion to Allah’s Service
Maryam (RA)’s devotion to Allah’s service throughout her life is a model for all Muslims. Her entire life was dedicated to fulfilling the will of Allah, whether through worship, motherhood, or her quiet but powerful role in the Islamic narrative.
Conclusion: The Timeless Legacy of Maryam (RA)
Maryam (RA) is one of the most revered women in Islam and an enduring symbol of virtue, faith, and patience. Her life reflects the strength of character that comes from complete reliance on Allah. She is a role model for both men and women, showing us how to live with dignity, to trust in Allah’s plan, and to face life’s challenges with courage.
May we all learn from Maryam’s (RA) example and strive to embody the qualities she exemplified: trust in Allah, patience in adversity, modesty, and devotion to His service.
A Collaboration with ChatGPT, Written by, Muhamed Cherno Baba Gaye