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The Nature of Her Society
"According to historical sources, Allah honored Maryam (Mary), who lived approximately two millennia ago, with the birth of Prophet 'Isa (Jesus, PBUH). She was one of the chosen women on Earth as well as in the Hereafter. Born in Roman-occupied Palestine, she was a Jewess and lived in the Jewish community.
Idolatry was Rome's state religion. The Jews, once a nation preferred by Allah "over all other beings" (Quran 2:47), had altered His religion, adopted false beliefs, rebelled against Allah's commands, and were no longer grateful for His gifts to them. Some of them even murdered the Prophets sent to them by the grace of Allah, because the Jews did not like the commands that these exalted men conveyed. The Qur'an reveals their transgressions:
"Verily, We took the covenant of the Children of Israel and sent Messengers to them. Whenever there came to them a Messenger with what they themselves desired not, they would call some messengers liars and they would kill other messengers."(Quran 5:7)
Maryam was born at a chaotic time, when the Jews' only hope was their expected Messiah (savior). Unknown to her, Allah had already chosen her for this holy duty. She was central to the Israelites' expectations, for she would give birth to Prophet 'Isa (Jesus, PBUH) whom He compliments in the following terms:
"(Remember) when the angels said: ‘O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word.* His name will be the Messiah 'Īsā (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah. He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous.'" (Quran 3: 45-46). *Allah only has to say a word "Be" and Jesus is created in Mary's womb. The specific verse in the Quran will be quoted later on in this article.
Allah chose Maryam to represent morality and true religion among her people, who had left the true religion and embraced superstitions and idle speculation. Allah reveals many aspects of her life, among them her birth and family, the birth of Prophet 'Isa (Jesus PBUH), her superior character, and how she resisted her society's slanders and accusations.
Allah Exalts the Family of ‘Imran (Father of Mary)
Allah reveals that "Allah chose Adam and Nuh (Noah), and the family of Ibrahim (Abraham) and the family of 'Imran, over all other beings-descendants one of the other..." (Quran 3:33-34). In other words, 'Imran's family descended from the Prophets Adam (PBUH), Nuh (PBUH), and Ibrahim (PBUH), and they were exalted people. One of these chosen people was Maryam, whose family sincerely believed in Allah, respected the limits that He has established for humanity, and always sought and trusted Him.
Maryam's Birth
When Imran's wife, a sincere believer, found out that she was pregnant with Maryam, she immediately prayed to Allah. She praised Him and promised that she would dedicate her child to Him. When she gave birth to a girl, she named her Maryam, which means to abide, in other words someone who incessantly worships Allah. Allah reveals her prayer in the following verse:
"(Remember) when the wife of 'Imrân said: ‘O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services (free from all worldly work; to serve Your Place of worship), so accept this, from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing.' Then when she gave birth to her [child Maryam (Mary)], she said: ‘O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child,' and Allah knew better what she brought forth, ‘And that the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam (Mary), and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast.'" (Quran 3:35-36)
The Arabic word muharreren, translated here as "to be dedicated for Your services" means "preoccupied only with the Hereafter and having no interest in the world, in the service of Allah's temple, worshipping in great devotion, one whose worship is not tainted by worldly aims."
True freedom can be attained only by serving Allah, surrendering to Him, and freeing oneself from all service to any other beings or values. This is what 'Imran's wife prayed for when dedicating Maryam to Allah, for she wished her daughter to be someone who served only Allah and who did not seek her people's or society's acceptance.
Right after Maryam's birth, her mother turned toward Allah, sought His good pleasure, and asked Him to protect Maryam, as well as her children, from Satan. Allah accepted this wholehearted prayer "and made her [Maryam] grow in health and beauty" (Quran 3: 37). In other words, Maryam received the best upbringing and the most superior character.
Allah Commissions Prophet Zakariyya (Zachary, PBUH) with Educating Maryam
Allah gave Prophet Zakariyya (PBUH) sincere faith and exalted him, and guided him to the righteous path. Allah compliments him and points out his devotion, his proper fear and respect of Him, and his superior character:
"And Zakariyâ (Zachariah), and Yahya (John) and 'Īsā (Jesus) and Iliyâs (Elias), each one of them was of the righteous. And Ismâ'il (Ishmael) and Al-Yas'â (Elisha), and Yûnus (Jonah) and Lut (Lot), and each one of them We preferred above the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinn of their times)." (Quran 6:85-87)
The Qur'an reveals that Allah made Prophet Zakariyya (PBUH) responsible for educating Maryam. He fulfilled this trust, witnessed the many miracles in her life, and noticed that she was favored over all other people. He saw how Allah's grace supported her and met all of her needs. For example:
"So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariyâ (Zachariah). Every time he entered Al-Mihrâb (a sanctuary) to visit her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: ‘O Maryam (Mary)! From where have you got this?' She said, ‘This is from Allah.' Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit." (Quran 3:37)
Maryam's answer to his question testifies to Allah's grace and providence.
Allah Preferred Maryam over All Other Women
Maryam was a most devout Muslim who genuinely dedicated herself to our Lord, praised His name, and turned toward Him in prayer constantly throughout her life. Just as Allah chose 'Imran's family above all others, He chose Maryam and ensured that she would be educated in the best manner, purified from all wickedness, and preferred above all other women. Allah relates her superiority:
"And (remember) when the angels said: ‘O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinn of her lifetime).' (42) ‘O Mary! Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah, by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkâ'i (bow down) along with Ar-Râki'ûn (those who bow down).'" (Quran 3:42-43)
Maryam's Exemplary Chastity
Maryam, like the rest of her family, was known among her people for her devotion to Allah as well as her religiosity, chastity, and sincerity. Allah speaks of her as someone obedient to Him.
"And Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran, who guarded her chastity-We breathed Our Spirit into her. She confirmed the Words of her Lord and His Book, and was one of the obedient." (Quran 66:12)
"... and she who guarded her chastity. We breathed into her some of Our Spirit and made her and her son a Sign for all the worlds." (Quran 21:91)
Maryam Meets Jibril (Angel Gabriel)
Maryam experienced many miracles throughout her life. One of these was her meeting with Jibril. Once, when she left her family and society and went toward the east, she met Jibril, who appeared to her in the form of a well-built man:
"And mention in the Book (the Quran), O Muhammad, PBUH, (the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east (16) She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh [angel Jibril (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects." (Quran 19:16-17)
Not knowing who this man was, she sought refuge with Allah and told him that she held Allah in the utmost fear and respect: "She said: 'I seek refuge from you with the All-Merciful, [leave me] if you have fear [and respect] of Allah'" (Quran 19:18). Her words clearly demonstrate her complete trust in Allah, as well as the importance she placed upon chastity and devotion to Allah. Her words not only expressed all of this, but also called upon this unknown man to have fear and respect of Allah.
Jibril introduced himself with the following words: "I am only your Lord's messenger [an angel] so that He can give you a pure boy" (Quran 19:19). As the Quran recounts:
"(Remember) when the angels said: ‘O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Him, his name will be the Messiah 'Īsā (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah." (Quran 3:45)
Maryam replied: "How can I have a boy when no man has touched me and I am not an unchaste woman?" (Quran 19:20), thereby indicating her chastity. Jibril told her that:
"He [Jibril] said: ‘It will be so. Allah creates whatever He wills. When He decides on something, He just says to it, "Be!" and it is.'" (Quran 3 :47)
"He said: ‘It will be so.' Your Lord says: ‘That is easy for Me. It is so that We can make him a Sign for humanity and a mercy from Us. It is a matter already decreed.' So she conceived him and withdrew with him to a distant place." (Quran 19:21-22)
By Allah's will, Maryam became pregnant with Prophet 'Isa (PBUH) and yet remained a virgin. Her pregnancy was independent of this world's usual cause-and-effect relationship. The circumstances of his conception were among the features of Prophet 'Isa's (PBUH) miracles.
Maryam's Withdrawal
Allah reveals "So she conceived him and withdrew with him to a distant place" (Quran 19:22). In this distant place to which she retreated, Allah supported her with His grace and protection and met all of her material and psychological needs during her pregnancy.
No doubt, Maryam withdrew from her society for many reasons. For example, Allah removed her from her people's criticism, for they could not understand her miraculous situation. This also enabled her to spend this period in a state of contentment and peace. Later on, by another miracle, Allah revealed her miraculous circumstances, refuted all of the accusations and slanders directed toward her, and restored her impeccable reputation.
Prophet Isa's (PBUH) Birth and Allah's Support of Maryam
Allah fully supported Maryam throughout her pregnancy. It is very difficult for a woman to give birth (a potentially life-threatening experience), all alone, without medical equipment or a midwife's assistance. Nevertheless, Maryam overcame all of these difficulties by placing her complete trust in Allah. Allah helped her with revelations while she was struggling toward a date tree in the full throes of labor pains. Allah told her not to grieve, that He had placed a stream at her feet, and that she should shake the date tree in order to get freshly ripe dates to eat. He also told her to drink and to delight her eyes. As a result, she gave birth in the best possible circumstances. Allah reveals her situation:
"And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: ‘Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!' (23) Then a voice [the babe 'Īsā (Jesus) or Jibril (Gabriel)] cried unto her from below her, saying: ‘Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you;'(24) ‘And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you.' (25) ‘So eat and drink and be glad, And if you see any human being, say: 'Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Gracious (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.'" (Quran 19:23-26)
Allah's grace and protection was clearly visible in this situation. In fact, His advice to her has been confirmed by modern science. We now analyze this advice in some detail.
Do Not Grieve
As stated earlier, Maryam withdrew from her society so that she could be in a psychologically peaceful environment and away from the hurtful behavior of people who could not comprehend her miraculous situation.
Allah told her not to grieve and bestowed His grace and protection upon her. No doubt, there was much wisdom in this advice, just as there was in Maryam's withdrawal to a distant place. Muslims must not surrender to sadness; rather, they are to trust in Allah and feel the peace of mind that comes with knowing that Allah will always help them.
This attitude, which is required of all believers, has been confirmed by modern medicine, for doctors tell women, both during their pregnancy and while they are giving birth, to maintain a positive attitude and avoid any sadness and stress. His advice to delight her eyes means not to surrender to sadness and to enjoy the news of Allah's gift.
Eat Dates
Allah advised Maryam to eat freshly ripened dates. Today, such dates are considered to be food and medicine. Scientists now know that dates contain more than ten substances considered essential for the human body's well-being and continuing health.
Allah Creates a Stream
Allah told Maryam that He had placed a stream by her feet to eat, drink, and delight her eyes. Water, like dates, eases labor pains and regulates muscle tension. In fact, some modern birth clinics have pools in which the delivery takes place.
Maryam Shakes the Date Tree
"Allah tells Maryam to shake the date tree toward her when she was headed toward it in her labor pains." (Quran 19: 25)
Maryam Returns to Her Community
When Maryam returned with Prophet 'Isa (PBUH), her people could not comprehend Allah's miracle. Thus, they accused her of indecency and slandered her, even though they knew that she, being a member of 'Imran's family, was devout, held Allah in great fear and respect, had an immaculate character, and always protected her modesty. Allah reveals some of these slanders:
"Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: ‘O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariyy (a mighty thing). O sister (i.e. the like) of Hârûn (Aaron)! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman.'" (Quran 19:27-28)
No doubt, this was a trial for Maryam, for she had to face such accusations despite being a chaste woman who held Allah in the greatest respect and awe. These people ignored her impeccable character and honorable conduct, despite her own reputation and that of her family, and so, as always, she turned toward Allah, and trusted in Him, knowing that He would defend her in the best possible way.
Maryam's Vows of Silence
Allah, Who always answered her prayers with generosity and compassion, gave her inner peace during this trial. Knowing that Allah would exonerate her completely, Allah inspired her to make a vow: "If you should see anyone at all, just say: 'I have made a vow of abstinence to the All-Merciful, and today I will not speak to any human being'" (Quran 19:26). This is what she told her people.
After this, she only pointed to Prophet 'Isa (PBUH), about whom Allah said through Jibril: "He will speak to people in the cradle and when fully grown, and will be one of the believers" (Quran 3:46), when people confronted and slandered her.
Allah showed her people a great miracle by enabling Prophet 'Isa (PBUH) to speak while he was still a baby in the cradle. Through his words, Allah exonerated his mother Maryam and also introduced Prophet 'Isa (PBUH) as one of His Prophets sent to the Israelites:
"Then she pointed to him. They said: ‘How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?' He ['Īsā (Jesus)] said: ‘Verily! I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Salât (prayer), and Zakât (charity), as long as I live. And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblessed. And Salâm (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!' Such is 'Īsā (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). (it is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute)" (Quran 19:29-34)
This miracle amazed Maryam's people. By saying: "... and she who guarded her chastity. We breathed into her some of Our Spirit and made her and her son a Sign for all the worlds" (Quran 21:91), Allah made both of them superior to all other people. Maryam's superior character, honor, and purity were revealed through this speech, and those who had slandered her were defeated.
By saying: "And We made the son of Maryam and his mother a Sign and gave them shelter on a mountainside where there was a meadow and a flowing spring" (Quran 23: 50), He reveals that Prophet 'Isa (PBUH) and Maryam continued to live under His grace after these events.
Those who Slandered Maryam
These miracles showed the Israelites that Allah had made Maryam and Prophet 'Isa (PBUH) superior to other people. In fact, Allah reveals that those who continued to slander Maryam would be punished severely:
"And on account of their unbelief, their utterance of a monstrous slander against Maryam, and their saying: ‘We killed the Messiah, 'Isa, son of Maryam, Messenger of Allah.' They did not kill him and they did not crucify him, but it was made to seem so to them. Those who argue about him are in doubt about it. They have no real knowledge of it, just conjecture. But they certainly did not kill him." (Quran 4:156-57)
Maryam's Superior Character
Maryam is a role model for all Muslim women because she maintained her impeccable character throughout her life. Allah raised her like a lovely plant, to use the Qur'an's expression, and gave her a very important responsibility. Allah chose her, just as He chose 'Imran's family, made her one person in this lineage of the most devout and faithful people, and had her raised by these virtuous people.
He then gave her the character of a chosen and superior Prophet by entrusting her education to Prophet Zakariyya (PBUH). When she reached this level of maturity, Allah began to show her His miracles, and she clearly saw His grace, protection, and mercy upon herself. One example of this support and grace was that she found food on the altar whenever she worshipped Him. Later on, Allah introduced her to Jibril, who told her about Allah's grace on her with his own words.
Maryam demonstrated her genuine devotion and loyalty to Allah through her impeccable virtue and behavior. She also expressed her profound and genuine devotion to Him through her determination, devotion, and unconditional surrender to His will.
Being alone in moments of great difficulty was a great trial for her, because she had no one to help, support, or guide her. Usually, lonely people surrender to helplessness and sadness. But Maryam did not, for she placed all of her hope and trust only in Allah.
She constantly sought His help and knew that she only needed to obey Him and follow His guidance. She never gave in to hopelessness and depression, no matter how difficult the trial, because she had surrendered wholeheartedly to Allah in the knowledge that He would turn all adversities into good and end the hardship in the best manner. And with every difficulty, Allah gave her a solution, supported her with His grace and help, and turned all hardships into goodness and beauty.
Her inexperience was also an important aspect of her trial. She became pregnant and delivered her child all alone. Totally alone and ignorant of what to do, she resisted pessimism and displayed her great strength, willpower, and determination. In addition, she had the peace of mind characteristic of those who know that Allah supports them with the most perfect gifts. Thus He eased her burden and helped her to succeed.
Another sign of Maryam's superior character was the patience she showed while fulfilling her difficult responsibilities. Her unbelieving people tried her patience by failing to grasp her superior and honorable position, viewing her according to their own misguided knowledge, and accusing her of things that she had not done. Here, too, she showed her patience and complete faith in Allah. She did not compromise her strength, willpower, and integrity, knowing full well that Allah controls everything and thus would exonerate her.
Another noticeable character trait was her total lack of interest in winning her people's acceptance. She had surrendered to Allah with a pure faith, and was therefore unaffected by their accusations and comments. Given her faith and devotion, all she strove to do was to behave in the way that would earn Allah's good pleasure. As a result, Allah rewarded her with His grace.
There are two ways of conveying one's good character to others: through words and through moral behavior. The second way is far more effective and valuable, for it is the genuine way and cannot be imitated. One's life and behavior can reflect one's belief only if it is genuinely alive in one's heart.
Maryam displayed this superior morality and became a role model and a living invitation to religion through her faith, behavior, and character. Her genuine call is answered in the best possible way, Allah willing. The believers' faith continues to deepen as they follow Maryam's example and try to emulate her character." [1]
Source (edited):
[1] http://www.womaninthequran.com/
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