Surah Maryam (Mary); Story of A Virtuous Mother

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Hazrat Maryam (Mary), the mother of Jesus (AS), has been mentioned in the Quran as a virtuous woman, one who was not a prophet but was raised like a prophet and whose conduct was like that of prophets of God.

Surah Maryam is the 19^th chapter of the Holy Quran that has 98 verses and is in the 16^th Juz. It is Makki (revealed in Mecca) and the 44^th Surah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Verses 16 to 27 and verse 34 of the Surah narrate the story of the life of Hazrat Maryam (AS) and hence the name.

Surah Maryam has two special features: First, there is the word Uzkur (remember) when narrating the stories of great prophets, and second, the word Rahman (compassionate), which is one of God’s attributes, has been mentioned in this Surah 16 times, with some saying it shows God’s all-embracing mercy and compassion to all, especially to the prophets and the faithful.

In his Al-Mizan Exegesis of the Quran, Allameh Tabatabaei refers to Inzar (warning) and Bisharat (good news) as the main message of the Surah that has been expressed in the stories of the prophets.

This Surah has divided people into three groups: Those who are among the receivers of divine blessings, including prophets and the guided ones, those how have repented and the faithful who do good deeds, and those who go astray and are companions of Satan.

The main part of the Surah narrates the story of Zakariya (Zechariah), Mary, Jesus, Yahya (John), Ibrahim and his son Ismail, Idris and some other prophets of God.

The first part of the Surah mentions the story of Zakariya that is similar to that mentioned in Bible’s Gospel of Luke. It also refers to Mary’s (SA) getting pregnant, Jesus (AS) being born and his speaking from the cradle, praising his truthfulness and Ikhlas (purity of intention).

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is among the revered women among Muslims. God made her pure and selected her from among all women. Jesus (AS) bore witness to her purity and virtuousness from the cradle. “He (the baby) said: ‘I am the worshiper of Allah. Allah has given me the Book and made me a Prophet. He made me to be blessed wherever I am, and He has charged me with prayer and charity for as long as I shall live. (He has made me) kind to my mother; He has not made me arrogant, unprosperous. Peace be upon me on the day I was born, and on the day I die; and on the day when I shall be raised up alive.’” (Verses 30-33)