Mary in Islam
Mary, known as Maryam (مريم) in Arabic and as Meryem in Turkish, holds a significant and revered position in Islamic theology. Her story is detailed in various parts of the Quran, with Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) dedicated entirely to her.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: مريم (Maryam)
- Turkish: Meryem
Description and Significance
Maryam is recognized as the mother of Isa (Jesus), who is a prophet in Islam. Similar to the Christian narrative, Maryam is depicted as a virtuous and chaste woman whose miraculous virgin conception leads to the birth of Jesus. One of the distinctive aspects of her story in the Islamic tradition is her profound piety and dedication to the worship and service of God.
Key Quranic Elements:
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Virgin Birth of Jesus:
- Quran 3:47: “She said, ‘My Lord! How can I have a son when no man has touched me?’ [The angel] said, ‘Thus it is: Allah creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says, ‘Be,’ and it is.’”
- Quran 19:20-21: Mary’s dialogue with the angel further elaborates on the miraculous nature of Jesus’s birth.
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Mary’s Devotion:
- Quran 66:12: “[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.”
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Pressure from Her Community:
- Quran 19:27-28: Upon returning to her community with her newborn child, Maryam is accused of unchastity. God grants the newborn Jesus the ability to speak and defend his mother, thus safeguarding her honor.
Guardianship and Preparation:
- Dedicated to God’s Service: Mary’s mother, Hannah, devoted her unborn child to God’s service. Following her birth, Maryam is placed under the care of Zakariyya (Zechariah), who himself would become the father of Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist).
- Quran 3:35-37: This passage outlines Maryam’s early life and her mother’s vow that her child would serve God.
Miraculous Events:
- Angels Announcing Jesus’s Birth: Angels brought glad tidings of her selection by God and the forthcoming birth of Jesus.
- Quran 3:42-45: These verses capture the moment where angels communicate Maryam’s significant role and God’s favor upon her.
Further Studies:
To delve deeper into the life and significance of Maryam (Mary) in Islam, readers may explore:
- “Mary in Islam: An Encyclopedia Entry” by Jane Dammen McAuliffe
- “The Qur’an: An Encyclopedia” edited by Oliver Leaman
- “In Search of Mary: The Woman and the Symbol” by Sally Cunneen
Takeaways and Conclusion
Maryam (Mary) is not only seen as the mother of a significant prophet in Islam but also as a paragon of faith, piety, and divine selection. Her story emphasizes themes of miraculous birth, devotion to God, and vindication against societal scrutiny. Such narratives venerate Maryam, showcasing her extraordinary faith and unwavering service to God, while underscoring that devoutness and divine miracles are deeply rooted in Islamic teachings.
Summary
The story of Mary (Maryam) in Islam bridges theological connections to Christianity while highlighting her unique role and the miraculous birth of Jesus within the Islamic tradition. Honored and mentioned repeatedly in the Quran, her narrative exemplifies utmost piety, divine favor, and the miraculous power of God, thereby making her an enduring symbol of purity and faith in Islam.
