The Story of Maryam (Mary) and Isa (Jesus)

The Quran honors Maryam (Mary) as one of the greatest women and narrates the miraculous birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus) with reverence.

Maryam's Dedication Maryam was dedicated to the worship of Allah from childhood. Her mother had vowed her to the service of the House of Allah. Zakariya became her guardian and noticed that she received provisions from Allah—food would appear for her. When he asked, she said: "It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account." (3:37)

The Annunciation The angels came to Maryam with news: "O Maryam, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds." (3:42) They told her she would bear a son without a father—a sign from Allah.

The Birth of Isa When the time came, Maryam withdrew to a remote place. In her pain, she wished she had died before this. But a voice comforted her: "Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream." (19:24) She gave birth to Isa under a palm tree. When people questioned her, the infant Isa spoke from the cradle: "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet." (19:30)

The Lesson Maryam's purity and trust in Allah, and Isa's miraculous birth and prophethood, are signs of Allah's power. The Quran rejects the notion that Isa is divine—he is a noble prophet and servant of Allah.