Maryam the Copt
Maryam the Copt (d. 637), also known as Mariyah al-Qibtiyya (مَارِيَة ٱلقِبْطِيَّة) in Arabic, was the slave concubine of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the mother of his son Ibrahim. Born in Upper Egypt, she was sent to Muhammad as a gift by Cyrus (known as al-Muqawqas in Arabic), the last Byzantine governor of Alexandria, in the year 628 CE.
Early Life and Introduction to Islam
Born in Upper Egypt, Maryam belonged to the Coptic Christian community before being sent as a gift to Prophet Muhammad. She came alongside her sister Sirin, and some other companions as part of a diplomatic gesture by Cyrus in an effort to establish amicable relations with the emerging Muslim state.
Life in Medina
Upon arriving in Medina, Maryam lived in a loft away from the chambers of Prophet Muhammad’s wives. Despite initially being a slave concubine, after the birth of their son, Ibrahim, the Prophet honored her by releasing her from the bondage of slavery, though she continued to be his concubine.
Mother of Ibrahim
Maryam’s status was elevated after the birth of her son, Ibrahim. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) displayed great affection towards Ibrahim and his mother, further integrating Maryam into his personal life. Unfortunately, Ibrahim passed away in infancy.
Status After the Prophet’s Death
After the death of Prophet Muhammad, his successors continued to honor and maintain Maryam on the same level as the Prophet’s widows. Her dignified position reflects the respect the early Muslim community held for her as the mother of the Prophet’s child and part of his extended household.
Etymology
- Arabic: Maryam al-Qibtiyya (مَارِيَة ٱلقِبْطِيَّة)
- Turkish: Mısırlı Marya
Suggested Books for Further Reading
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (Sirat Rasul Allah)” by Ibn Ishaq, translated by Alfred Guillaume
- “Women in the Qur’an, Traditions, and Interpretation” by Barbara Freyer Stowasser
- “Muhammad: Man and Prophet” by Adil Salahi
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Historical Significance: Maryam the Copt’s narrative elucidates the diplomatic relations between early Muslims and the Coptic Christian community.
- Inter-religious Dynamics: Her journey from Upper Egypt to Medina illustrates the kind of cross-cultural and inter-religious dynamics during Prophet Muhammad’s time.
- Enhanced Status of Women: Her life story emphasizes the enhanced status awarded to her by the Prophet and reflects the broader socio-political and religious advancements within Islam.
In sum, Maryam the Copt stands as a significant historical figure showcasing the interplay of religion, culture, and social structures in early Islamic history.
