Maryam bint ʿImrān عليها السلام

Maryam bint ʿImrān عليها السلام

Among the countless figures mentioned in the Qur’an, only one woman is named directly: Maryam (ʿalayhā as-salām), the mother of ʿĪsā (ʿalayhi as-salām). Her name echoes through the divine revelation not merely as the mother of a prophet, but as a woman chosen, purified, and elevated by Allah. She is described in the Qur’an with words that resound through the centuries:

“And [mention] when the angels said, ‘O Maryam, indeed Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of the worlds.’” [Āl ʿImrān 3:42]

To speak of Maryam is to speak of faith, chastity, patience, and surrender to the decree of Allah, even in the face of unimaginable trials.

Her story begins even before her birth, when her mother, moved by deep devotion, dedicated her child to the service of Allah. She prayed: “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 Āl ʿImrān, 3:35]

Though her mother expected a son, Allah willed a daughter, reminding us that true honor and closeness to Him is not determined by gender but by piety.

Maryam grew under the guardianship of Prophet Zakariyyā ʿ(alayhi as-salām), and her early years were marked by devotion and purity. Miracles surrounded her even as a young girl. Zakariyyā would find provisions beside her, sustenance not of this world, and when he asked about them, she would simply reply:

“It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.” [Surah Āl ʿImrān, 3:37]

Maryam’s life was one of quiet worship, secluded prayer, and unwavering chastity. She lived in the sanctuary, dedicating herself to her Lord. It was in this space of devotion that the greatest trial of her life would unfold. The angel Jibrīl (ʿalayhi as-salām) came to her, bringing a message that would change history. He appeared to her in the form of a man, and with fear she sought refuge in Allah from him. Then he spoke:

“I am only the messenger of your Lord to grant you a pure boy.” [Surah Maryam, 19:19]

Astonished, she asked how such a thing could be when no man had ever touched her. His reply was a reminder of Allah’s limitless power: “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me.’” [Surah Maryam, 19:21]

Carrying the child of a miracle was not only a physical trial but a spiritual one too. Maryam withdrew, alone with the weight of her destiny. When the pangs of labor drove her to the trunk of a palm tree, in her pain and sorrow she cried out, wishing she could disappear, forgotten by all. In that moment of despair, Allah’s mercy enveloped her.

She was told: “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 comforted.” [Surah Maryam, 19:24–26]

It was as if Allah Himself was reminding her that sustenance, comfort, and hope are always near, even in the depths of struggle.

But the trial did not end with the birth. When she returned to her people, carrying the infant in her arms, she faced harsh accusations. They could not comprehend her innocence, nor the divine miracle she bore. In obedience to Allah’s command, she remained silent, pointing only to her son. Then, by Allah’s permission, the infant ʿĪsā spoke:

“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 zakāh as long as I remain alive.” [Surah Maryam, 19:30–31]

This miracle was not only a defense of his mother’s honor but also the declaration of his own prophethood.

Maryam’s story is not one of ease but of struggle, resilience, and nearness to Allah. She carried the heaviest of burdens, not because of any failing, but because she was chosen by Allah to embody a lesson for humanity. She teaches us that trials are not signs of rejection, but often signs of elevation. She teaches us that purity and devotion are honored in the sight of Allah, regardless of what society says. She teaches us that in moments of loneliness, grief, and despair, the help of Allah can descend in the gentlest of ways — a stream of water, the sweetness of dates, the voice of reassurance that says, “Do not grieve.”

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ placed her among the four greatest women of Paradise, alongside Khadījah, Fātimah, and Āsiyah, the wife of Fir’awn. Each of these women reached greatness not through worldly power, but through faith, perseverance, and their unshakable relationship with Allah.

It is important to note how Islam’s view of Maryam stands apart from other traditions. In Christianity, she is often seen as the “mother of God” or even elevated to near-divine status. Islam, however, preserves both her extraordinary honor and her complete humanity. The Qur’an emphasizes that she was a servant of Allah, a woman of purity and truth, chosen above all women, but never divine. By keeping her human yet exalted, Islam restores her as an example that all believers, men and women alike, can aspire to emulate. Her honor lies not in being worshiped, but in her devotion and surrender to the One true God.

In our own lives, when we feel weighed down by trials, uncertain of the future, or judged unfairly by others, Maryam’s story offers solace. It reminds us that Allah knows the truth of our hearts, that His plan is always greater than our fears, and that relief often comes at the very moment despair seems strongest. To reflect on her life is to remember that true honor lies not in how the world sees us, but in how we stand before Allah.

May we, like Maryam, cultivate hearts that are pure, tongues that are constant in remembrance, and souls that trust entirely in the mercy of Allah. May her story continue to inspire us to turn back to our Creator in times of ease and hardship alike, holding firmly to the truth that with every trial, there is divine wisdom, and with every hardship, there is ease.