“O my Lord,” she prayed, “I dedicate to You what is in my womb, purely for Your service. So accept it from me, for You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Surah Al Imran: 35)
As her pregnancy progressed, her hope and joy grew. She envisioned a son, a strong and noble servant, destined to devote himself to the worship and care of Allah's House. But when the time came, Allah blessed her with a daughter. Though surprised, her faith never wavered. She named her newborn Maryam, meaning “one who worships,” and sought Allah’s protection for her and her offspring from the accursed Shaytan.
“And the male is not like the female,” she reflected. Yet, she embraced her daughter with love, trusting in Allah's divine wisdom. (Surah Al Imran: 36)
Maryam was a child unlike any other. She was placed in the care of Zakariya (peace be upon him), a prophet of Allah and a relative, who raised her within the sacred precincts of the temple. Her days were spent in prayer, devotion, and service. Allah showered Maryam with His blessings, granting her provisions in miraculous ways.
Whenever Zakariya visited her in her private sanctuary, he found food that astonished him—fresh fruits out of season, a clear sign of divine favor. “O Maryam,” he asked, “from where is this coming to you?”
She replied with unshaken certainty, “It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.” (Surah Al Imran: 37)
As Maryam grew, her piety and chastity became known to all. Her heart was pure, and her connection to Allah was profound. But her life took an extraordinary turn when the angel Jibreel (peace be upon him) appeared to her in the form of a man. She was startled and sought refuge in Allah, declaring, “Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, if you should be righteous.” (Surah Maryam: 18)
Jibreel reassured her, saying, “I am only a messenger of your Lord to grant you a pure boy.” (Surah Maryam: 19)
Confused and astonished, Maryam questioned, “How can I have a boy while no man has touched me, nor have I been unchaste?”
The angel replied, “Thus it will be. Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter already decreed.’” (Surah Maryam: 20-21)
Maryam’s trust in Allah did not waver. She withdrew to a distant place, away from the eyes of people, as her miraculous pregnancy progressed. When the time came to give birth, the pain of labor drove her to seek solace beneath a palm tree. In her anguish, she cried out, “Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten.”
But Allah, in His mercy, comforted her through Jibreel. He called from below her, saying, “Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates. So eat and drink and be contented.” (Surah Maryam: 24-26)
Strengthened by Allah’s care, Maryam delivered her son, the noble Prophet Isa (peace be upon him). Cradling her miraculous child, she returned to her people.
The sight of Maryam carrying a baby shocked them. “O Maryam,” they exclaimed, “you have certainly done a thing unprecedented! O sister of Harun, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste.”
Remaining silent, as instructed by Allah, she pointed to the infant. To their astonishment, Isa spoke from the cradle:
“Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive. And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.” (Surah Maryam: 30-33)
This miraculous moment silenced their accusations and reaffirmed Maryam’s purity and Isa’s divine mission. Allah elevated her status as one of the most virtuous women in all creation, a symbol of unwavering faith and devotion.
Lessons from the Story of Maryam, Daughter of Imran
The story of Maryam, the daughter of Imran, is a testament to Allah’s power and wisdom. Her life, filled with trials and miracles, exemplifies the virtues of trust in Allah, humility, and steadfastness. Through her, we learn that true honor comes from servitude to Allah, and His plans, though sometimes beyond human comprehension, are always perfect.
Sincerity in Intentions:The wife of Imran dedicated her child to Allah even before Maryam was born, teaching us to have pure intentions in all our actions and to align our goals with the pleasure of Allah.
Trust in Allah’s Plan:
Though she expected a son, the wife of Imran accepted Allah’s will when she was blessed with a daughter. This reminds us to trust in Allah’s wisdom, even when His plan differs from our expectations.
The Power of Dua:
Maryam's mother’s heartfelt supplication and Maryam’s own prayers show how turning to Allah in sincere dua can bring blessings and miracles into one’s life.
Piety is the Greatest Virtue:
Maryam’s life demonstrates that true honor and status come not from wealth or lineage but from one’s piety and devotion to Allah.
Miracles Come with Patience and Faith:
Maryam’s miraculous provision in her sanctuary and her unique motherhood underline that Allah’s help comes to those who remain steadfast and patient in their faith.
Allah’s Mercy in Hardship:
When Maryam faced the difficulty of childbirth alone, Allah provided her with water and fresh dates, showing that He is always near to those who call upon Him in distress.
Responding to Criticism with Dignity:
Maryam faced accusations from her people but remained silent as per Allah’s command, letting her infant son’s miraculous speech serve as her defense. This teaches us to handle criticism and false accusations with dignity, trusting Allah to vindicate us.
The Role of Isa (Peace Be Upon Him):
The story of Isa’s miraculous birth is a reminder of Allah’s infinite power and His ability to create life in ways beyond human comprehension. It also emphasizes Isa’s role as a servant of Allah, refuting any claims of divinity.
The Elevation of Women in Islam:
Maryam’s high status as one of the most virtuous women in history reflects the honor Islam bestows upon women, emphasizing their spiritual and moral strength over worldly measures of success.
Reliance on Allah:
Maryam’s unwavering reliance on Allah throughout her life reminds us to place our trust in Him in all circumstances, knowing that He will provide and protect us.
Allah’s Power Over Nature:
The miraculous provision of fruits out of season and Isa’s ability to speak as an infant highlight Allah’s power to transcend natural laws, teaching us that nothing is beyond His capability.
The Value of Silence and Wisdom:
Maryam’s silence in the face of accusations shows that sometimes wisdom lies in refraining from argument and letting actions—or divine intervention—speak louder than words.
