Muslim Beliefs About Mary (ʿMaryam عليه السلام)
In Islam, Mary (known as Maryam in Arabic) holds a very special and revered position. She is considered one of the greatest women to have ever lived and is highly respected for her piety, devotion, and virtue. Her story is mentioned in several places in the Qur’an, and she is often viewed as an ideal model for Muslim women.
Key Beliefs About Mary (Maryam) in Islam
- Chosen by God
Maryam is seen as being chosen by God above all women. In the Qur’an, it is mentioned that God chose her for a special role:
- “And [the angel] said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary’” (Qur’an 3:45).
- Virgin Birth
Muslims believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus (Isa in Arabic) to Maryam, similar to the Christian belief. However, in Islam, it is emphasized that she was a virgin when she conceived Jesus. The Qur’an recounts the story of the angel Gabriel (Jibril) appearing to Maryam and telling her that she would give birth to a son, though she was a virgin:
- “She said, ‘How can I have a child while no man has touched me?’ He [the angel] replied, ‘Thus it will be. Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me’’” (Qur’an 19:20-21).
- Purity and Piety
Maryam is depicted as a woman of extraordinary purity and devotion to God. She is often mentioned as a symbol of chastity and faithfulness. The Qur’an describes her as one who was constantly in prayer and worship:
- “When the wife of ‘Imran said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated, so accept this from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing’” (Qur’an 3:35).
- The Mother of Jesus
In Islam, Jesus is seen as a prophet and messenger of God, but not divine. His mother, Maryam, is honored for being the mother of one of the greatest prophets in Islam. She is also mentioned in the Qur’an as a woman who was protected and supported by God:
- “And mention when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah ]’” (Qur’an 3:45).
- No Divinity for Jesus
While Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus and the concept of the Holy Trinity, Muslims do not share this belief. Jesus is considered a prophet and servant of God. Maryam is seen as his mother, but she is not viewed as divine, nor is Jesus worshiped as God.
- Honored in the Qur’an
In fact, there is an entire chapter in the Qur’an named after Maryam—Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) which is dedicated to telling the story of her life, her dedication to God, and the miraculous birth of Jesus.
- A Model for Muslim Women
Maryam’s example is often held up as one of the highest standards of faith, devotion, and trust in God. Her unwavering faith in the face of adversity and her piety make her a role model for many Muslims.
Differences from Christianity
- No Immaculate Conception: Muslims do not believe in the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (the belief that Mary was born without original sin). However, they do believe Maryam was pure and free from sin.
- No God-Motherhood: While Christians regard Mary as the “Mother of God” (due to the divinity of Jesus), in Islam, she is revered as the mother of a great prophet, but not as the mother of God.
So, in summary, Maryam (Mary) is deeply revered in Islam as a symbol of piety, purity, and faith. Her story is celebrated as one of the most miraculous events in religious history, and she is honored as one of the greatest women to ever live.
Here is what the Qur’an says about Mary (Maryam)
- Mary is chosen above all women
Mary is described as one of the most honored women in history.
“O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above all women of the worlds.” Qur’an 3:42
- Mary is pure and devoted to God
She is described as a woman of great piety and worship.
“O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord, prostrate and bow with those who bow.” Qur’an 3:43
- Mary experienced a miraculous virgin birth
The Qur’an emphasizes that Mary conceived Jesus without a father, through God’s command.
Mary said: “How can I have a son when no man has touched me?”
[Angel] said: “It will be so. Your Lord says: ‘It is easy for Me.’” Qur’an 19:20–21
- Angels spoke to Mary
The angel Jibril (Gabriel) brought her the news of Jesus.
“O Mary, Allah gives you good news of a Word from Him. His name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary…” Qur’an 3:45
- Mary gave birth to Jesus miraculously and alone
The Qur’an describes the childbirth scene in Surah Maryam.
God provided her with water and dates, and comforted her during childbirth. Qur’an 19:22–26
- Mary is defended from false accusations
People accused Mary, but God defended her by making Jesus speak as a baby.
The infant Jesus spoke and declared his prophethood, clearing her name. Qur’an 19:27–29
- A whole chapter of the Qur’an is named after her
Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) is dedicated to Mary and her story.
No other woman has an entire chapter named for her.
- Mary is a sign for all humanity
She and her son are signs of God’s power.
“And We made Mary and her son a sign for all peoples.” Qur’an 21:91
Summary
According to the Qur’an, Maryam is
✓ Pure
✓ Chosen by God
✓ A virgin who miraculously gave birth
✓ A devoted worshipper
✓ Honored above all women
✓ Protected and defended by God
✓ A sign for the world
Here are the main Qur’an verses about Mary (Maryam). These include her birth, purity, miracles, and the birth of Jesus.
- Mary is chosen and purified
“And [mention] when the angels said: ‘O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above all the women of the worlds.’” Surah Aal-Imran (3:42)
“O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord, prostrate and bow with those who bow.” Surah Aal-Imran (3:43)
- Her mother dedicates her to God
“The wife of ‘Imran said: ‘My Lord, I dedicate what is in my womb for Your service…’” Surah Aal-Imran (3:35–36)
- Angels give Mary good news of Jesus
“O Mary, Allah gives you good tidings of a Word from Him, his name will be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary…” Surah Aal-Imran (3:45)
“She said: ‘How can I have a child when no man has touched me?’ Gabriel said: ‘So it will be; Allah creates what He wills.’” Surah Aal-Imran (3:47)
- Mary is supported and protected by God
“Every time Zakariya entered her chamber, he found provisions with her…” Surah Aal-Imran (3:37)
🌿 5. The annunciation and virgin birth
Mary withdraws, the angel appears, and tells her she will have a son though no man touched her. Surah Maryam (19:16–21)
The childbirth scene—God gives her water and dates and comforts her. Surah Maryam (19:22–26)
- Jesus speaks as a baby to defend Mary
Mary brings the baby to her people; they accuse her. Surah Maryam (19:27–29)
Baby Jesus speaks:
“Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He gave me the Scripture and made me a prophet…” Surah Maryam (19:30–33)
- Mary is a sign for all humanity
“And We made Mary and her son a sign for the worlds.” Surah Al-Anbiya (21:91)
“And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign and gave them shelter on a high ground…” Surah Al-Mu’minoon (23:50)
- Accusations against Mary are condemned
“…and for their disbelief and their slander against Mary…” Surah An-Nisa (4:156)
- Mary is honored while Jesus is clarified as God’s messenger
“The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah…” Surah An-Nisa (4:171)
- Mary mentioned again in the story of Jesus’ miracles
God reminds Jesus of the favors He gave him and his mother. Surah Al-Maidah (5:110)
“The Messiah, son of Mary, was only a messenger… and his mother was a woman of truth.” Surah Al-Maidah (5:75)
Summary of Qur’anic Mentions
Mary is described as:
✓ Chosen
✓ Pure
✓ Devoted
✓ Miraculously supported
✓ Mother of Jesus without a father
✓ A sign for the world
✓ Defended by God