The Story of Lady Maryam (AS)
A Tale of Faith and Miracles
Lady Maryam’s journey is one of unwavering faith, divine miracles, and steadfast devotion to Allah. Her story, beautifully preserved in the Quran, serves as an eternal source of inspiration for believers.
A Blessed Beginning
Lady Maryam’s story begins even before her birth, with her mother, Hannah, a devout woman married to Imran. Yearning for a child, Hannah made a sincere supplication to Allah, vowing to dedicate her unborn child entirely to His service.
“O my Lord! I dedicate what is in my womb entirely to Your service. So accept it from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Quran, Surah Al-e ‘Imran. Chapter 3, The Family of Imran, Verse 35)
When she gave birth to a daughter, she was surprised, for she had expected a son. Yet, Allah had chosen Maryam for a special destiny. She was raised under the care of Prophet Zakariya (AS), her maternal uncle, who provided her with a nurturing environment filled with knowledge, piety, and divine blessings.
Maryam’s Devotion and Divine Provisions
As Maryam grew, she became known for her exceptional devotion. She spent her days in the sacred sanctuary, worshipping her Lord with sincerity. Prophet Zakariya (AS) would often visit her and was astonished to find her with provisions that no one had brought her.
He asked, “O Maryam! Where has this sustenance come from?” She replied, “It is from Allah, for He provides without measure to whom He pleases.” (Quran, Surah Al-e ‘Imran, Chapter 3, The Family of Imran, Verse 37)
This was a clear sign of Allah’s special favour upon Maryam, preparing her for the great miracle to come.
The Annunciation of Isa (AS)
One day, as Maryam sought solitude in her chamber, an angel appeared to her in the form of a man. Startled, she sought refuge in Allah. The angel reassured her, bringing the news of a miraculous birth:
“O Maryam! Indeed, Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him, whose name will be Isa (Jesus), the Messiah, honoured in this world and the Hereafter, and among those nearest to Allah.” (Quran, Surah Al-e ‘Imran, Chapter 3, The Family of Imran, Verse 45)
Astonished, Maryam asked how she could bear a child without being touched by a man. The angel responded:
“Thus it will be. Allah creates whatever He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says, ‘Be!’ and it is.” (Quran, Surah Al-e ‘Imran, Chapter 3, The Family of Imran, Verse 47)
With that decree, the miracle was set into motion.
Maryam’s Trial and Solace from Allah
As the time of childbirth approached, Maryam withdrew to a remote place, burdened with pain and sorrow. Overcome with anguish, she cried out:
“I wish I had died before this and been forgotten!” (Quran, Surah Maryam, Chapter 19, Mary, Verse 23)
In her moment of despair, Allah’s mercy enveloped her. A voice called out:
“Do not grieve. Your Lord has provided a stream beneath you. And shake the trunk of the date palm towards you; it will drop fresh dates upon you.” (Quran, Surah Maryam, Chapter 19, Mary. Verse 24-25)
With the nourishment of water and dates, Maryam regained her strength and delivered her blessed son, Isa (AS).
The Infant’s Miracle
When Maryam returned to her people carrying her newborn, they were shocked and accused her of wrongdoing. Unable to respond due to a divine vow of silence, she simply pointed to the baby.
The people scoffed, “How can we speak to a child in the cradle?”
To their astonishment, the infant Isa (AS) spoke:
“Indeed, I am a servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet. He has blessed me wherever I may be and enjoined upon me prayer and charity as long as I live. He has made me kind to my mother and not arrogant or wretched. Peace is upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I shall be raised again.” (Quran, Surah Maryam, Chapter 19, Mary, Verse 30-33)
The crowd fell silent, realizing they had witnessed a miracle.
Maryam’s Legacy: A Symbol of Piety and Strength
Lady Maryam (AS) remains one of the most honoured women in Islamic history, mentioned by name more times in the Quran than in any other religious scripture. Her story is a testament to unwavering faith, divine favour, and the miraculous power of Allah.
Through trials, solitude, and accusations, she held firm, and Allah honoured her with the miraculous birth of one of the greatest prophets, Isa (AS). Her life continues to inspire believers to trust in Allah’s wisdom, remain steadfast in faith, and find solace in His mercy.
May peace and blessings be upon Lady Maryam (AS), the mother of Prophet Isa (AS), a woman of unparalleled devotion and grace. Ameen.