Mary’s Significance in Islam: A Chosen Exemplary Servant of Allah 🕌
Definition and Meaning
Maryam (مريم), known as Mary in English, is the revered mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus) in Islam. Islam exalts her for her piety, chastity, and faith. Depicted in the 19th chapter (Surah Maryam) of the Qur’an, she is chosen by Allah for the miraculous virgin birth of Isa, marking her an unparalleled model of virtue and devotion.
Etymology
The name Maryam is of Hebrew origin, translated to Miriam and later to Mary in English. It finds its roots in ‘Mr’ or ‘Mry’, which denotes someone who is favored or exalted by God.
Background and Historical Facts
Maryam’s life unfolds within an intricately woven narrative shared in Islamic tradition:
Birth and Early Life: Maryam’s mother vowed her unborn child to the service of Allah. Post birth, she was placed under the guardianship of the righteous priest Zakariyya (Zakaria), where she was known for her devoted worship and extraordinary experiences.
Miraculous Conception: Maryam encountered the archangel Jibril (Gabriel) announcing she would miraculously conceive a son, Isa (Jesus). Her immaculate conception is detailed in Surah Al-‘Imran and Surah Maryam.
Accusation and Vindication: Facing accusations of unchastity from her community, her newborn son Isa’s miraculous defense spoke through her, thus vindicating her purity in Surah Maryam (19:27–34).
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Maryam is revered across Abrahamic faiths, though beliefs about her life and role differ:
- Islam: Focuses on her role and virtue without original sin, motherhood of the Prophet Isa, and maintains her virginity.
- Christianity: Emphasizes the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Mother of God.
- Judaism: Acknowledges her historical presence but does not bestow the same religious significance as Christianity and Islam.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Blessed Virgin Mary, The Virgin, Mother of Isa
- Antonyms: (Conceptual) Jezebel, personified figures representing impurity
Related Terms with Definitions
- Isa (عيسى): Jesus, who is considered a prophet in Islam.
- Zakariyya (زكريا): Prophet Zechariah, caretaker of Maryam.
- Jibril (جبريل): Angel Gabriel, the messenger delivering God’s words to Maryam.
- Surah Maryam (سورة مريم): The 19th chapter of the Qur’an dedicated to Maryam.
- Al Imran (آل عمران): The family of Imran, the third Surah of the Qur’an mentioning Maryam’s lineage and virtues.
Exciting Facts
- Maryam is the only woman directly named in the Qur’an over thirty times across various Surahs.
- She stands as a symbol of utmost piety and obedience to Allah, often highlighted as an exemplary figure for Muslim women.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “Maryam (عليها السلام) epitomizes devotion and trust in the divine decree, reminding us of the miraculous power in faith.” - Dr. Yasir Qadhi
References and Suggested Literature
- The Qur’an: Surah Maryam (19), Surah Al Imran (3)
- Saeed, Abdullah. “Interpreting the Qur’an: Towards a Contemporary Approach” (Routledge, 2006).
- Lamrabet, Asma. “Women in the Qur’an: An Emancipatory Reading” (Markfield Institute of Higher Education, The Islamic Foundation, 2007).
In honoring Maryam’s legacy of faith and piety, we recognize the harmonious intersection of spirituality and perseverance. Let her story inspire pure devotion and unwavering trust in the divine.
- Layla Bashir
