The Story of Mary in the Qur’an (part 1)
The Qur’an presents the story of Mary (Maryam) [peace be upon her] as one of purity, devotion, and divine favor. Her life is described in detail to show her honored status and the miraculous birth of Jesus (ʿIsa) [pbuh] as a sign from God.
The Birth of Mary
The Qur’an begins by highlighting the family of Imran and the special status given to certain righteous lineages chosen by God.
“"Indeed God chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imran over the worlds. An offspring, like one another (in righteousness). And God is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (And mention) when the wife of Imran said, ‘O my Lord, I have vowed to You what is in my womb, to be dedicated (to Your service), so accept this from me.
Indeed, You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing.’ Then when she delivered her (Mary), she said, ‘O my Lord, I have delivered a female,’ and God knew best what she delivered, ‘And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge with You for her and for her children from Satan, the expelled (from the mercy of God).
’" (Qur’an 3:33–36)
The Upbringing of Mary
Mary grew up under divine care, raised in purity and devotion, and placed under the guardianship of the Prophet Zechariah.
“"So her Lord fully accepted her, and gave her a good upbringing, and put her under the care of Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer room, he found her supplied with food. He said, ‘O Mary, where do you get this from?’ She said, ‘This is from God. Indeed, God provides for whom He wills, without limit.
’" (Qur’an 3:37)
Mary’s Status and Devotion
Mary is described as chosen, purified, and elevated above the women of her time. She is commanded to remain devoted in worship and humility before God.
"And (mention) when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed God has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of the worlds.’ ‘O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow down along those who bow down (in prayer).’ This is a part of the news of the unseen..." (Qur’an 3:42–44)
The Glad Tidings of Jesus
Mary received the extraordinary news that she would give birth to Jesus, a miraculous child created by God’s command.
“"(And mention) when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed God gives you the good news of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter...’ She said, ‘My Lord, how can I have a son when no man has touched me.’ He said, ‘So (it will be,) for God creates what He wants.
When He decides something, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is...’" (Qur’an 3:45–51)
The Annunciation and Miraculous Conception
The Qur’an also describes how the angel Gabriel came to Mary in human form and informed her of the divine decree.
“"And mention in the Book (the story of) Mary... Then We sent to her Our angel, and he took the form of a well-created man before her... He said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord to give to you the news of a pure boy...’" (Qur’an 19:16–21)
"And she who guarded her chastity, so We breathed (a spirit) into her through Our angel, and We made her and her son a sign for the worlds." (Qur’an 21:91)
The Birth of Jesus
Mary gave birth to Jesus in solitude, enduring hardship and emotional distress. God supported her through this difficult moment and provided for her.
“"So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place... Then (baby Jesus) called her from below her, saying, ‘Don’t be sad. Your Lord has provided a stream under you...’ Then she carried him and brought him to her people... So she pointed to him. They said, ‘How can we speak to a child in the cradle?
’ (Jesus) said, ‘Indeed, I am a servant of God. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet...’" (Qur’an 19:22–33)
The Nature of Jesus
The Qur’an clarifies that Jesus was created by God’s command, just like Adam, emphasizing divine power over creation.
“"Indeed, Jesus is like Adam in front of God. He created him from dust, then said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was." (Qur’an 3:59)
Mary and her son are also described as a sign for humanity, showing God’s power and mercy.
"And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and We gave them refuge and rest on a high ground with flowing water." (Qur’an 23:50)
The Excellence of Mary
Mary is presented as a model for believers, an example of purity, faith, and submission to God.
"And God gives as an example for those who believe, the wife of Pharaoh... And (the example of) Mary, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity... and she was of the devout ones." (Qur’an 66:11–12)
Conclusion
The Qur’an honors Mary as a woman chosen and purified by God, and presents the birth of Jesus as a miraculous sign of divine power. Together, their story emphasizes faith, purity, and submission to God’s will, while affirming that Jesus is a servant and messenger of God, created by His command.