Mary the Virgin (Maryam)
Definition and Etymology
Mary the Virgin, known in Arabic as Maryam (مريم) and in Hebrew as Miryam (מִרְיָם), is a revered figure in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The name Maryam, etymologically, is derived from the Hebrew name Miryam, which has various suggested meanings such as “bitter,” “beloved,” or “rebellious.”
Significance in Islam
In Islamic tradition, Maryam is highly esteemed and considered one of the most pious and virtuous women. She is the mother of Jesus (Issa), whom Muslims regard as a prophet. Maryam is also the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an, representing purity, piety, and dedication.
Genealogy according to Islamic Tradition
In the Qur’an and Islamic tradition, Maryam is described as the daughter of ʿImrān and his wife Ḥannah. This account holds her to be the sister of Aaron (Harun), which has caused some debate among scholars regarding a potential mix-up with Miriam, the sister of Moses in the Hebrew Bible.
Qur’anic Narrative
Her Birth and Upbringing
The account of Maryam’s birth and upbringing is detailed in Sūrah Al-Imran (3:31):
<p>“Remember when the wife of ʿImrān said, ‘O my Lord! I vow to Thee what is in my womb, for Thy special service. Accept it from me, for Thou hearest, Knowest!’ And when she had given birth to it, she said, ‘O my Lord! Verily I have brought forth a female,’—God knew what she had brought forth: a male is not as a female—‘and I have named her Mary, and I take refuge with Thee for her and for her offspring, from Satan the stoned.’ So with goodly acceptance did her Lord accept her, and with goodly growth did He make her grow. Zacharias reared her. So oft as Zacharias went in to Maryam at the sanctuary, he found her supplied with food. ‘Oh Maryam!’ said he, ‘Whence hast thou this?’ She said, ‘It is from God; for God supplies whom He will, without reckoning!’”</p>
The Conception of Jesus
The conception of Jesus by Maryam, a miraculous event without human intervention, is recounted in Sūrah Maryam (19:16-26). This narrative illustrates Maryam’s pivotal role in Islamic tradition as the mother of a prophet born through divine will.
<p>“And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, ‘Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of God.’ He said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.’”</p>
Scholarly Interpretations
Islamic scholars have engaged in interpreting verses about Maryam, particularly addressing her being referred to as the “sister of Aaron.” For instance, Al-Baiẓāwī suggests that she was called “sister of Aaron” due to her Levite lineage, while Ḥusain argues this Aaron is distinct from the brother of Moses.
Cultural and Theological Impact
Maryam’s narrative is intertwined with significant theological concepts, such as the protection from Satan at birth, a belief attributed uniquely to her and her son Jesus, as recorded in a hadith saying: “No child is born except that the Devil touches it, except Maryam and her son Jesus” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Further Reading
For individuals interested in a deeper understanding of Maryam in Islam, the following books are recommended:
- “Mary in the Qur’an: A Literary Reading” by Barbara Freyer Stowasser
- “Following Mary to Jesus in Islam” by Martin Lings
- “Jesus and the Virgin Mary in Islam” by Yasin T. al-Jibouri
Key Takeaways
- Mary the Virgin, or Maryam, holds a distinguished status in Islamic theology as the mother of Jesus and a paragon of piety.
- The Qur’an provides comprehensive narratives about her birth, upbringing, and the miraculous conception of Jesus.
- Interpretations of Maryam in Islamic tradition are extensive, reflecting her profound influence on Islamic thought and theology.
Conclusion
Maryam’s story illustrates her extraordinary faith, piety, and importance across Islamic scripture and tradition. Understanding her role provides insight into the broader contours of Islamic beliefs regarding prophecy, piety, and divine intervention.
