Mary in Islam

Mary holds a singularly exalted place in Islam, revered as the greatest woman to have ever lived. The Quran mentions her seventy times, making her the only woman referenced by name in this holy text. Her story unfolds across three Meccan surahs and four Medinan surahs, with the nineteenth Surah, Maryam, dedicated to her life and significance.

According to the Quran, Mary's parents fervently prayed for a child, and their prayers were answered when her mother became pregnant. Tragically, her father Imran passed away before her birth. Following her arrival, Mary was cared for by her maternal uncle Zechariah, a priest in the Temple, who played a crucial role in her upbringing.

Mary's life took a miraculous turn when she received messages from God through the archangel Gabriel. It was revealed to her that she would conceive a child, Jesus, through divine intervention while remaining a virgin. This virgin birth is a cornerstone of orthodox Islamic belief, and traditional interpretations suggest that Mary maintained her virginity throughout her life, supported by the Quran's mention of her purification.

In Islam, Mary is celebrated as one of the four