The Story of Lady Maryam (AS)

Preamble:

How’s your worship in Ramadan? Worship is harder in Ramadan. Do you know what Ramadan reminds me of? Winter! All summer, the land is barren, awaiting the rain. Winter comes and provides the land with everything it needs, which the land keeps until the next year. Likewise, Ramadan comes and supplies the ummah (Muslim nation) with all it needs: faith, spiritualities, energy, strength, compassion and mercy, to last throughout the year. Ramadan is like your bank account balance. Increase your balance because you will withdraw a lot from it all-year long; deposit prayers, worship, dua’a (supplication), and sadaqat (charitable deeds); never say enough, increase your balance as much as you can.

Today we’re going to talk about a precious story loved by everybody. Today’s episode focuses on girls and women, and addresses females between 15 and 23 years old, fathers and mothers, and anyone who wants to worship Allah[1]: the story of Lady Maryam (AS[2]) (Mary).

Introduction about Lady Maryam (AS):

The story is about a girl whose major life events took place when she was a girl. Maryam the worshipper at the age of 15 or 16, Maryam who performed qiyam (voluntary night prayer), Maryam the meditator at the age of 16 or 17, conceiving Isa (AS) (Jesus) and raising him at the age of 17 or 18. That’s why I’m addressing girls today, and when I say “Maryam” I’m referring to a story that is known worldwide, not only among Muslims. Maryam is one of the few personalities in the world that bonds everyone, regardless of their nationality or color. Everybody loves her and the best that was told of her is Surat[3] Maryam; I’ve never come across a narration that describes Lady Maryam (AS) more beautifully.

The Status of Lady Maryam (AS) to Allah:

To begin with, she is the woman of the worlds and these are not my own words, but Allah’s, The Lord of the worlds, Who says what can be translated as: “And as the Angels said, “O Maryam, (Mary) surely Allah has elected you and purified you and has elected you over the women of the worlds” (TMQ[4], 03:42).
Lady Maryam (AS) is the only woman who was mentioned by name in the Qur’an; it is always said “mother of Musa (AS) (Moses)” and “wife of Fir’awn (Pharaoh)”, but Maryam (AS) is the only one whose name was mentioned in the Qur’an, even 33 times! This is also the number of times we prostrate ourselves a day, 33 in total; she used to prostrate herself a lot. Moreover, she was mentioned in the Qur’an more than some prophets, and there is a surah by her name, Surat Maryam.

The Prophet (SAWS[5]) says that the best women in paradise are four: Lady Khadijah Bint-Khuwaylid, Maryam daughter of ‘Imran, Asia wife of Pharaoh and Fatimah daughter of Muhammad (SAWS). That is, two women and two girls. Maryam and Fatimah were about the same age, 17 or 18 years, whereas Khadijah and Asia were women. He also says that no woman has reached perfection like Maryam and Asia did. Maryam (AS) had become complete as a women in mind, belly, skin, patience, tenderness and all. In addition, Allah (TWT[6]) chose her to be the cause of a great miracle.

Reasons behind this status:

Why was Maryam (AS) preferred above others? Here we start addressing girls. First, I want to make it clear that every age group has its own special characteristics, some of which are dominant over the others. At forty, a man’s dominating quality is his wisdom; a child of seven years is characterized by fun, play and humor; and a girl between 15 and 22 years is made up of infinite tenderness and profuse emotions. If we say, for example, that each one of us has 100 units of emotion, a girl during this age has 1000. Such is the nature of this age group. Where will these units end up? They have to be consumed. Some mothers describe their daughters as quiet and inactive, just as others say that a child of seven doesn’t play. That is not possible! How will a girl use up her emotions? Here appears Maryam, a girl with emotions—our first glimpse of Lady Maryam (AS), woman of the worlds. She has plenty of emotion, is single, and has no kids to direct her emotions towards.

So she did two things:

• Extreme love for Allah (TWT): She is going to drain this emotion in worship, by praying, worshipping and loving Allah a great deal. The love of Allah, this is the best way to consume emotion—try it in Ramadan. It’s an opportunity to pray, cry, perform dua’a and ask for what every girl wants: to marry a man who will love her and make her happy. Talk to Allah, get closer to Him.

• Second comes charitable or volunteer work that involves orphans, orphanages, the ill and widows. However, charitable work for Maryam (AS) centered around Jerusalem: serving it, helping the people, and serving the worshippers.

What is required of girls? To be Maryam-like. You have 1000 units of emotion and I fear that you will take the wrong path, that this sea of emotions will be used on a guy who will take it all away and lead you to a sad ending. You possess 1000 units. If one guy hurts you once, you’ll suffer a lot, and another will cause you to suffer more, and the third time you’ll lose it all! And after marriage you will have really lost all of your emotions.

Why don’t you follow the path of Maryam (AS)? Love Allah and worship Him a lot, be like Maryam in Ramadan—look for an orphanage where you can expend your emotions, for you have to use them one way or another. Be warned of wrong relationships, watch out for being fooled by a guy; don’t waste your emotions on any guy. Allah (SWT[7]) says what can be translated as, “other than...or taking mates to themselves...” (TMQ, 04:25).

Don’t get involved into relationships with guys; get married. If marriage is late in coming, spend this emotion on the poor and indigent; look for the right place to use it. Use it up in worship; be like Maryam (AS). And you, guys, don’t take advantage of a girl who has extra units of emotion, don’t do injustice to her and betray her parents.

A word to parents: direct your daughters towards charity work. I feel sad when a female from Life Makers tells me that her parents forbid her to participate in charity work! You will regret it if your daughter are at home doing nothing all the time; where will she expend her emotions? Don’t assume that she’s safe like that. Satan thrives best in an environment of free time; on the other hand, she has to use up her units of emotion. Girls: go learn a skill or language, play a sport, read or work, but don’t give in to free time.

Maryam (AS) the Worshipper:

Let’s examine Maryam’s (AS) first characteristic: the worshipper. Allah says what can be translated as, “And mention in the Book Maryam (Mary) as she retired from her family to an eastern place” (TMQ, 19:16). Why eastward? In order to always watch the sun rise. Hence, Maryam’s (AS) worship started with contemplating in Allah’s creations. Do you know a romantic girl? One who likes to sit in front of the sea to watch it? Why does she do that? So that she may experience romance. Maryam (AS) is the same, except that she experienced it in the loving of Allah and meditation. Maryam (AS) had the same emotion as every other girl, but she chose to use it up in these ways. A lovely way, which will certainly appeal to you, but you still won’t try it!

“And mention in the Book Maryam (Mary) as she retired from her family to an eastern place” (TMQ, 19:16). Maryam (AS) would often retire from her family and sit alone to be just her and her Lord. Meditation is one of the lovely types of worship, but it has effaced, even though it is one by which Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) became a Prophet as he was meditating in the cave of mount Hira' and Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham) also—Allah says what can be translated as “And thus We show Ibrahîm (Abraham) the dominion of the heavens and the earth...” (TMQ, 06:75). One hour of meditation is better than performing qiyam for a whole year. One of the Prophet’s companions says that he heard one, two, three and four of the Prophet’s companions say, “Meditation is the light of faith.” Who will meditate in Ramadan? Girls, you are most qualified for it; don’t you have the most units? If we all try to get closer to Allah, who will out perform us? Because you have 1000 units, the energy to love is higher within you.

“And as the Angels said...“Maryam, (Mary) be devout to your Lord, and prostrate yourself and bow down with the ones who bow down (for Him)”” (TMQ, 03:42-43). Beautiful is your worship, Maryam (AS), consisting of meditation, qiyam: “...Whenever Zakariyya entered the Chamber to her...” (TMQ, 03:37). Whenever he entered he found her praying. The Prophet (SAWS) says that two rak’aat (unit of prayer) in the middle of the night is better than the whole world. Just two! The Prophet (SAWS) also says that the best of the prescribed prayers is qiyam. Prescribed prayers are in reference to the five daily prayers.

The Prophet (SAWS) says that Our Lord descends every night to the sky of the world, when the last third of the night remains and He says, 'Is there anyone to invoke me so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask me for something so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone to ask for forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’ This happens every night. Every night you’re asleep and He is calling on you! Who will worship Allah in Ramadan like Maryam (AS)? She became the woman of the worlds; I wonder how far Allah will raise your status.

Do you know what the word “Maryam” means in their language? Maryam means ‘worshipper’ and ‘servant of worshippers’. Her name covers volunteer work and worship, for which her mother prepared her well.

A Chain of blessings Occurs:

Once she started worshipping Allah in this fashion, a chain of blessings took place because she became very close to Allah (SWT) would pray at night while the people were asleep. What are these blessings?

“...Whenever Zakariyya entered the Chamber to her, he found (a) provision in her presence...” (TMQ, 03:37). Whenever he entered her room he would find provisions; what does this mean? Scientists say that he would find grapes in winter or abundant food without her leaving her room, as a blessing and sign of satisfaction from Allah (SWT). Now, why would the provision only include food? For example, it could be spiritual: submissiveness to Allah, crying from submissiveness, closeness in dua’a, a high level of faith—all are sustenance’s from Allah. So why is it material here? Witness the glory of the Qur’an in describing the mother of another prophet: “...Whenever Zakariyya entered the Chamber to her, he found (a) provision in her presence. He said,

“O Maryam, however does this (come) to you?” She said, “It is from the Providence of Allah; surely Allah provides whomever He decides without reckoning.” Thereover Zakariyya (Zechariah) invoked his Lord (and) said, “Lord! Bestow upon me from very close to You a goodly offspring. Surely You are The Ever-Hearer of invocation”” (TMQ, 03:37-38).

Underline the words “there over” 100 times. There over, or at that moment, he started invoking his Lord to bestow upon him a child, for Zakariya (AS). (Zakariya) could not have children. As a result of this dua’a on that night, Allah bestowed upon him Yahya (AS) (John). When he saw a sign (i.e. ayah) from Allah and Allah’s loyalty to Maryam (AS), he felt that Allah would accept his dua’a. So, everytime you see one of Allah’s signs, like increased submissiveness or crying from submissiveness to Allah, or closeness to Allah, or someone who had offspring after ten years of infertility, invoke Allah during that time, make use of this point. “There over” is like Allah telling you that this is one of the special times when dua’a is likely to be accepted, which is why Allah accepted Zakaria’s (AS). Allah says what can be translated as, “There over Zakariyya (Zechariah) invoked his Lord (and) said, “Lord! Bestow upon me from very close to You a goodly offspring. Surely You are The Ever-Hearer of invocation” (TMQ, 03:38). To those whom Allah has not provided with children, invoke Him during umrah[8] or hajj[9], like I did. I could not have children for ten years. Then, on the Day of Arafat, a man told me that it is a night when dua’a is accepted. So I felt that this was a sign and I invoked Allah and He responded to my dua’a. “There over” could be the last ten days of Ramadan or a moment of submissiveness. Invoke Allah for a virtuous husband and await lawful sustenance, and if you’re in a sinful relationship, break it today.

How did Maryam (AS) become the way she was?

She became the way she was as a result of her mother’s dua’a, vow in dedication to Allah, and intention. Didn’t she say in what Allah says that can be translated as, ““Lord! Surely I have vowed to you what is in my belly in dedication...” (TMQ, 03:35). Only to Allah. Also, her father was one of the greatest scientists of Jerusalem and sons of Israel. If you, righteous father, want your daughter to be like Maryam (AS), be like ‘Imran. Mother, you want your daughter to be like Maryam (AS)? Be like mother of Maryam (AS), be the role model mother. I don’t want parents to preach to their children; don’t talk, but let them see role models! This is by far the greatest preachment. There is a Syrian proverb which says, “Count to 100 before you lie to people, count to a million before you lie in front of your daughter, and count to a billion before you lie to Allah.”

Don’t think that Maryam (AS) led an easy life; Maryam (AS) was an orphan whose mother gave birth at an old age and died when she was a child. Who should sponsor her? Her [Maryam’s (AS) mother] sister’s husband would—an old man who doesn’t have children. He had Yahya (AS) upon seeing her worship. And don’t think that he sponsored her with ease; there was a fight among the worshippers in Jerusalem because they all wanted to sponsor her as her father had taught them all. Allah says what can be translated as, “...as they were casting quills (Literally: pens) (to determine) which of them should sponsor Maryam, (Mary) and in no way were you close to them as they took adverse stands (about that) (and)” (TMQ, 03:44). What does that mean? They agreed to each stand at the riverbed and cast their quill, and the owner of the last quill to be washed away would sponsor Maryam (AS). Why did they choose quills? Because her father taught them by it, so they chose it in honor to him. And so they cast their quills once, twice and three times and Zakaria’s (AS) wouldn’t move so he became her sponsor and not an ordinary one too. He showered her with affection and mercy. Embrace your children at this age, say no to harshness; shower your daughter with love so she won’t go out looking for it and get harmed in the process.

Look at what happens; Allah provides for the righteous father’s children after his death as in what Allah says that can be translated as, “...and their father was a righteous (man)...” (TMQ, 18:82). After his (Maryam’s father’s) death, the worshippers fought over Maryam’s sponsorship: “...and in no way were you close to them as they took adverse stands (about that) (and)” (TMQ, 03:44). They are quarreling to sponsor her; who fights over raising orphans nowadays?! When Ja’far Ibn-Abu-Taleb died, three of the Prophet’s companions argued over sponsoring the late Ja’far’s children. The Prophet (SAWS) would ask who the potential sponsor is and all three would say “Me!” despite being very poor.

Maryam’s (AS) status continued to rise until she became the symbol of chastity, a worshipper who meditates and performs qiyam and is the purest of the people on the earth. Allah (SWT) gave an example of two believers, not two men but two women: Asia wife of Pharaoh and the other: “And Maryam (Mary) daughter of Imran, who kept safe her private parts, (i.e., safeguarded)...” (TMQ, 66:12). Look at the way she is described; she is the symbol of chastity. “And as the Angels said, “O Maryam, (Mary) surely Allah has elected you and purified you...” (TMQ, 03:42). Why so? Because she directed her units of emotion at Allah (SWT); no man could take advantage of her emotions. She smiled, laughed and dressed modestly. Even though she interacted with men during her service of the worshippers at Jerusalem, she did so with chastity; Maryam (AS) is the symbol of purity on earth.

“And as the Angels said, “O Maryam, (Mary) surely Allah has elected you and purified you and has elected you over the women of the worlds”” (TMQ, 03:42). Note that there are two elections. Allah (SWT) only elects someone for a good trait; can you tell me why Allah would elect you? What have you done to be elected? To elect you means to pick you.

Why would Allah elect you and release you from hellfire tonight? Is it possible that you have repented to Allah today from a sin that no one knows about but you, so that He may elect you and release you from the hellfire and make you of the people who will enter paradise? Don’t think that being elected exempts you from experiencing the hardships of life. Maryam (AS) was afflicted many times and her life was full of pains; her father died, then her mother, and later Zakariya (AS), who sponsored her and raised her. In fact, he was murdered with saws and her cousin Yahya (AS) was slain; see how much she suffered! Her honor was slandered when she gave birth to Isa (AS) and she did not settle down in one place; Isa (AS) was dubbed Messiah because he “roamed/traveled across” the Earth. Maryam (AS) always traveled with him and was denied a stable marital life - even despite her beauty, affection, and decency. So if your marital life isn’t stable, don’t lament your bad luck! Keep Maryam (AS) as your role model. Furthermore, Isa (AS) was raised to Allah (SWT) during Maryam’s (AS) life, so she lived for him and lost him in the end.

Preparing Lady Maryam (AS) for the miracle:

Allah (SWT) started to prepare Maryam (AS) for the miracle; she is the only woman in the world to conceive and give birth as a virgin and be the main player in a miracle that manifests Allah’s Most Beautiful Name “The Creator,” as seen in what Allah says that can be translated as, “He is Allah, The Creator, The Initiator, The Supreme Fashioner” (TMQ, 59:24). Allah (TWT) is Ever-Merciful and this miracle is a rare occurrence; if it had happened all of a sudden the situation would have been tough on her, which is why some preparations were necessary. The angels started talking to Maryam (AS), which is the first election—a very special one, “And as the Angels said, “O Maryam...”” (TMQ, 03:42); “As the Angels said, “O Maryam, (Mary) surely Allah gives you good tidings...”” (TMQ, 03:45); “O Maryam, (Mary) be devout to your Lord, and prostrate yourself...”” (TMQ, 03:43).

Hereon, a dialogue started between the angels and Maryam (AS), who started talking to the angels and seeing Jibril (AS) (Gabriel) and talking to him. This is a very great and special rank indeed. I would like to add something: where are you with regards to angels? Do you sense their presence? Be careful, believing in angels is the second tenet of faith; faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, books, prophets, the Day of Judgment. We all believe in Allah and feel His presence, love the Prophets, read and feel the Qur’an, and talk about the Day of Judgment often. But who senses angels, the second tenet? There is an angel on your left and right shoulders; you salute them at the end of every prayer but where is your relationship with them? For example, have you spoken to the angel who records your hasanat[10] when you have performed a good deed and told him “Write”? You lower your voice when you do something wrong to hide from your neighbor—they (angels) are with you everywhere and all the time; do you sense their presence

There are angels with us now. “Whenever Allah (SWT) is remembered, angels gather.” And Allah (SWT) has angels roaming the roads to find the people of dhikr (remembrance of Allah (SWT)), and when they find a group of people reciting dhikr, they call each other and encompass them in layers until the first heaven -- the location of which is in Allah's knowledge. (This is to say, an unlimited number of angels are going to be over that group). This is an authentic Hadith in al-Bukhary and Muslim.

She has now been prepared for the great day, a great human miracle—one of the greatest in the history of mankind. Isa (AS) lived for years, whereas the miracles involving Musa’s (AS) staff and the splitting of the sea into two happened in minutes. Isa’s (AS) miracle is ongoing and exists among the people, who continue to be touched by it to this day and admit to its extraordinarity.

The Miracle Happens

The story of Maryam (AS) as mentioned in surat Maryam starts with “And mention in the Book Maryam (Mary) as she retired from her family to an eastern place. So she took to herself a curtain apart from them; then We sent to her Our Spirit; (i.e., the Angle Jibrîl “Gabriel) so he took for himself the likeness of a mortal in perfect shape (Or: mold)” (TMQ, 19:16-17). Jibril (AS) appeared to her in the form of a human, not an angel; “”She said, “Surely I take refuge in The All-Merciful from you, in case you are pious”” (TMQ, 19:18). She sought refuge in The All-Merciful before asking him why he had come if he were pious. He replied, ““Surely I am only a Messenger of your Lord to bestow upon you a most cleansed youth”” (TMQ, 19:19). Look at the surprise! “She said, “However can I have a youth, and no mortal has touched me, neither have I been a prostitute?”” (TMQ, 19:20). Observe her manners; “He said, “Thus (it will be). Your Lord has said, Simple is it for Me, and that We may make him a sign for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a Command decreed”” (TMQ, 19:21). Allah said that and it is Simple for Him, “Surely His Command, if He wills a thing, is only to say to it, “Be!” and it is” (TMQ, 36:82). And He will make him a sign for mankind, so Maryam (AS) conceived him. Look at the narration, “...who kept safe her private parts, (i.e., safeguarded) so We breathed in it of Our Spirit...” (TMQ, 66:12). Don’t ask how; leave it to Allah. Didn’t He breathe into Adam (AS)? “So when I have molded him and breathed into him of My Spirit...” (TMQ, 38:72).

Allah (SWT) breathed into him so that he had legs, hands and eyes and the fetus was moving inside of her; All Grace be to The Creator! With a breath of His Spirit into Adam (AS) the universe began, with a breath into Maryam (AS) Isa (AS) was miraculously born out of her, and with a breath on the Day of Judgment the entire universe will fall apart; there is no god but Allah! All Extolment is to The Creator! Wasn’t each one of us a breath into his mother’s uterus?

Allah says what can be translated as, “So she conceived him...” (TMQ, 19:22). Imagine how she felt at this moment, Maryam (AS) the chaste and pure one, whom everyone symbolized for chastity, the worshipper, daughter of ‘Imran. She conceived him and has no one—her parents, Zakariya (AS) and Yahya (AS) are all dead and she is all alone. She carried him in her womb for nine months like any other woman, but she couldn’t face the people and didn’t know what to do. Picture her feelings of fear and worry; girls are probably most capable of that. “So she conceived him, then she retired with him to a remote place” (TMQ, 19:22). She left Jerusalem; where to? When she didn’t have anyone. But she had Allah (SWT). If people abandon you, don’t scare. Know that you have nobody but Allah (SWT) and go to Him.

The story continues with what Allah says that can be translated as “Then the birth pangs made her come to the trunk of the palm-tree. She said, “Oh, would I had died before this and become a thing forgotten, completely forgotten!” (TMQ, 19:23). She is going to have a baby, all alone, next to a fruitless palm tree in a barren desert land. It’s a tough situation; do you feel her pains and loneliness? But Maryam (AS), Allah (SWT) is with you. Watch this tenderness and look at Allah’s Names, The Ultimate Trustee and The Ever-Affectionate, “Then (one) called out to her from beneath her...” (TMQ, 19:24). As soon as Isa (AS) was born, she heard him speak to her; he spoke as a baby in the cradle. And the first thing that was said to her, “...“Do not grieve. Your Lord has already made beneath you a rivulet” (TMQ, 19:24). Look at Allah’s tenderness. Look at this emotion; he tells her not to grieve and to look beneath her—the barren, dry land has a rivulet! Your Lord made a stream flow. She was then told “...shake to you the trunk of the palm-tree (and) it will let fall ripe dates down on you, readily reaped” (TMQ, 19:25). She is asked to look above her, the palm tree now has dates; there is mercy from above and below. “So eat and drink and comfort your eye, yet in case you ever definitely see any mortal, (Literally: any of the mortals) then say, “Surely I have vowed fasting to The All-Merciful, so I will never speak today to any human being” (TMQ, 19:26). By now, the idea that she represents Allah’s Omnipotence has materialized in Maryam’s (AS) mind.

Furthermore, Allah says what can be translated as “Then she came up with him to her people carrying him...” (TMQ, 19:27). She is the same one who earlier said “...“Oh, would I had died before this and become a thing forgotten, completely forgotten!”” (TMQ, 19:23). If she were another girl, she would have run away from the situation, but Maryam (AS) went to her people carrying him Isa (AS), feeling like the carrier of a message. Look at her strength in going to them carrying him without being embarrassed—because she saw Allah’s signs and entrusted her soul to Allah (SWT). When she went up to her people the difficult conversation began: “Then she came up with him to her people carrying him. They said, “O Maryam, (Mary) indeed you have readily come with a fabricated thing. O sister of Harûn, (Aaron) in no way was your father a woeful person, and in no way was your mother a prostitute”” (TMQ, 19:27-28). Harun was famous for his worship, her father was a respectful person, and her mother was honorable. “So she pointed to him...” (TMQ, 19:29).

She pointed to him in her full strength, for he will answer them back. (Sometimes, we respond to accusations incorrectly; our response should practically come through another person; note that the Arab world does not offer practical training). Maryam (AS) did not respond. Isa (AS) had to speak to her alone first so as not to surprise her by speaking in front of the people for the first time, like with Musa’s (AS) staff, which he casted on his own before doing so in front of Pharaoh. See how great the Qur’an is! When she pointed to him they understood that he would respond, not her; “They said, “How shall we speak to one who is (still) in the cradle, a young boy?”” (TMQ, 19:29). He goes on to defend his mother. If Allah (SWT) loves you He will defend you, if anyone accuses you He will prove you innocent, and if anyone slanders you He will raise your status. “So she pointed to him. They said, “How shall we speak to one who is (still) in the cradle, a young boy?” He said, “Surely I am the bondman of Allah. He has brought me the Book and made me a Prophet”” (TMQ, 19:29-30).

Imagine how shocked they were to hear him speak! And speak wisely too! Every word he said was recorded in the divine books, the first being “...I am the bondman of Allah...” (TMQ, 19:30); that clearly, not the son of Allah (SWT), but a bondman of Allah (SWT). Look at the following verses where he speaks to them. So He said, “He said, “Surely I am the bondman of Allah. He has brought me the Book and made me a Prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined upon me prayer and Zakat (The poor dues) as long as I am alive. And ever benign to my (female) parent; (Literally: She who gave birth to me) and He has not made me arrogant, wretched. And peace be upon me, the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I am made to rise again alive.” That is Isa (Jesus) son of Maryam...” (TMQ, 19:30-34).

Look at the great surah and the Qur’an’s great words. It’s as if Allah (SWT) is reassuring Maryam (AS), for she is worried about her son’s future. So the response came, “...He has brought me the Book and made me a Prophet” (TMQ, 19:30). Regarding his sustenance, “And He has made me blessed wherever I may be...” (TMQ, 19:31). Will he be a devout worshipper like herself? Yes: “...and He has enjoined upon me prayer and Zakat (The poor dues) as long as I am alive” (TMQ, 19:31). Will he believe the accusations aimed at her and that she did something prohibited? Again, he answers: “And ever benign to my (female) parent; (Literally: She who gave birth to me) and He has not made me arrogant, wretched” (TMQ, 19:32). No, I won’t accuse you, mother. Every person undutiful to his mother is arrogant and wretched in this life and the hereafter. How about his death? Would Allah (SWT) protect him? “And peace be upon me, the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I am made to rise again alive” (TMQ, 19:33). I won’t be killed mother; Allah will raise me up to Him. He is always referred to as “...Isa (Jesus) son of Maryam...” (TMQ, 19:34) so that you may remember Allah’s Omnipotence.

The wisdom behind the miracle

Why did Allah (SWT) do all this? What is the wisdom behind the birth of Isa (AS) without a father?

Humans did not see how they or Adam (AS) were created except that it is the greatest miracle of all and one which the entire universe was founded upon. It is the will of Allah (SWT) that after Adam (AS) humans come to life by means of a relationship between a man and a woman. Thus, people came to think that they have babies on their own. Allah (SWT) wanted to show them a sign to remind them of who The Creator is, and He chose the symbol of purity and chastity to embody this fact. Mankind needed to see this. Allah says what can be translated as “Surely the likeness of Isa (Jesus) in the Providence of Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He (Allah) created him of dust, thereafter He said to him, “Be!” so he is (i.e., he was)” (TMQ, 03:59).

A Final Word:

I would like to say something to all boys and girls: don’t make your mothers angry, all but your mother. Isa’s (AS) first word was, don’t be sad. Mothers are very dear to Allah (SWT); don’t be stubborn with your parents, especially your mother. Look at what he (Isa) (AS) told the people, “And ever benign to my (female) parent; (Literally: She who gave birth to me) and He has not made me arrogant, wretched” (TMQ, 19:32). He is telling her that she matters to him the most and that he won’t be arrogant. If you are arrogant with your mother, you are arrogant with the whole world. If your mother is angry with you, you are wretched in life and in the hereafter. Please don’t make your mother cry because of you, for her tears may be worse than the sins you commit in a whole year. Don’t break your mother’s heart, kiss her hands today and ask for her satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Maryam (AS) lived by Isa’s (AS) side; she became tired and roamed the earth with him. Her life wasn’t stable and she didn’t have a permanent settlement, peaceful life or family; in addition, Isa (AS) was raised up to Allah (SWT). In spite of all of these difficulties, she learned a lot. Isn’t being the woman of the worlds enough? Isn’t it enough that she is one of paradise’s greatest women? Isn’t it enough that she is Isa’s (AS) mother? That she guided mankind to Allah’s Name, The Creator? That her son will return at the end of time to reform the earth and administer the truth? If you are suffering in your life, be Maryam-like.
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[1] The word Allah is the Arabic term for God. Although the use of the word "Allah" is most often associated with Islam, it is not used exclusively by Muslims; Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews also use it to refer to the One God. The Arabic word expresses the unique characteristics of the One God more precisely than the English term. Whereas the word "Allah" has no plural form in Arabic, the English form does. Allah is the God worshipped by all Prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.

[2] Alayhe/a as-Salam [All Peace of Allah be upon him/her].

[3] A chapter; the Qur’an is comprised of 114 surahs.

[4]TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.

[5] Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam [All Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him]

[6] Tabaraka Wa Ta`ala [Blessed and Exalted be He].

[7] SWT = Suhanahu wa Ta'ala [Glorified and Exalted Be He].

[8] Voluntary short pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year.

[9] The pilgrimage to Makkah during the first half of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, and is the fifth pillar of Islam.

[10] The reward, from Allah, recorded for performing a good deed, and accounted for on the Day of Judgment

Translated by: The English Convoy – Dar al-Tarjama
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