The Life of Maryam’s (Mary’s) Mother in Islam: A Detailed Account

In Islam, the story of Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa (Jesus), holds a place of great reverence. While Maryam’s own miraculous conception and role as the mother of Isa are well-known, the details of her parents, particularly her mother, and the events that led to Maryam’s birth are equally remarkable. This article explores the life of Maryam’s mother, her parents’ long-awaited desire for a child, the divine intervention they experienced, and the extraordinary events surrounding Maryam’s childhood, all within the framework of Islamic tradition and sources.

Imran (Amram) and Hannah (Anne): The Parents of Maryam (Mary)

Maryam’s father, Imran (Arabic: عِمْرَان; Hebrew: עַמְרָם, Amram), was a descendant of the Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob) and was part of a distinguished line of prophets. He was a man of great piety and wisdom, much respected among his people. His wife, Hannah (Arabic: حَنَّة; Hebrew: חַנָּה, Anne), was equally devout and beloved for her virtue and piety. However, for many years, despite their prayers, they were unable to have children. This caused them sorrow, as having a child was one of the most important blessings in their culture.

Hannah (Anne), deeply longing for a child, made a heartfelt supplication to Allah, asking for a son. She vowed that if Allah granted her a child, she would dedicate him to the service of God. Allah, in His mercy, answered her prayers. The Quran tells of her vow:

“When the wife of Imran (Amram) said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated (for Your service), so accept this from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.’” (3:35)

However, her expectation of a son was quickly dashed when she gave birth to a daughter instead. In those times, only males could be dedicated as “Muḥarrar,” a term for a child consecrated to the service of the temple. She was distressed by the birth of a daughter, but she placed her trust in Allah’s wisdom and accepted that He knew what was best.

Maryam’s (Mary’s) Birth and Her Mother’s Vow

When Hannah (Anne) realized that she had given birth to a daughter, she immediately acknowledged her faith in Allah’s wisdom. In Surah Al-Imran (3:36), it is narrated:

“And when she delivered her, she said, ‘My Lord, I have delivered a female.’ And Allah knew best what she had delivered. ‘And the male is not like the female. And I have named her Mary, and I commit her and her descendants to You from the evil of the expelled Satan.’” (3:36)

Hannah (Anne) named her daughter “Maryam” (Arabic: مَرْيَم; Hebrew: מִרְיָם, Miryam), a name that signifies “the worshipper” or “devoted servant”—a fitting name for a girl who was to serve Allah in extraordinary ways. She then prayed for her daughter’s protection from the influence of Satan. Allah accepted her prayers and granted Maryam a special status, purifying her in a way that no other female had been purified before.

The Special Role of Maryam: Consecration and Miracles

Maryam’s birth was a divine act of mercy and hope for her parents, as Allah had accepted her to be consecrated for His service. In the Islamic tradition, there is a belief that the Muḥarrar (a child dedicated to the temple) was a boy who would serve in the temple until reaching adulthood. But Allah had a different plan for Maryam. Despite being a girl, she became the first female to be dedicated as a Muḥarrar.

From a young age, Maryam was shown to possess extraordinary qualities. She was not breastfed by her mother, Hannah (Anne), but was miraculously sustained by Allah. This is a reflection of the unique divine protection and provision given to Maryam. The Quran recounts how she was placed in the care of Prophet Zakariyah (Zachariah), her maternal uncle.

Zakariyah’s (Zachariah’s) Guardianship: Divine Signs and Provisions

When Maryam was placed under the guardianship of Prophet Zakariyah (Zachariah), the prophet’s role was to ensure her safety, well-being, and spiritual growth. Zakariyah was a devout worshipper and a righteous man, who prayed fervently to Allah. He would visit Maryam regularly in her chamber, which was located in the temple. Every time Zakariyah came to see her, he would find that Maryam had food that he had not brought to her. In the Quran:

“Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found her supplied with sustenance.” (3:37)

Zakariyah was astonished at this, since he had not brought the food himself. Maryam explained that her sustenance came directly from Allah, who provided for her in miraculous ways. She humbly accepted Allah’s provision as a sign of her elevated status.

The Annunciation: The Angel’s Visit to Maryam

The most pivotal moment in Maryam’s life came when she was visited by the angel Jibril (Gabriel). According to Islamic sources, one day, while Maryam was alone in her private chamber, the angel appeared to her in the form of a man. Maryam was initially startled and frightened by the stranger’s presence, but the angel reassured her, saying:

“I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you news of a pure boy.” (19:19)

Maryam, perplexed and astonished, asked the angel how it was possible for her to have a child when she had never been touched by any man. The angel replied:

“Thus it will be. Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter already decreed.’” (19:21)

The angel’s words conveyed that Maryam’s conception of Isa (Jesus) would be a miraculous event, an act of divine will, without the intervention of a human father. This was a powerful sign from Allah and affirmed the elevated status of Maryam, who was chosen to bear a son who would be one of the great prophets of Islam.

Maryam’s Status and Protection from Satan

Following her miraculous conception, Maryam became an even more significant figure in Islamic tradition. It is said that Allah protected her from the whispers of Satan and that she remained pure and devout throughout her life. This protection is further confirmed by the supplication that her mother, Hannah (Anne), had made when Maryam was born, asking Allah to safeguard her from Satan’s influence.

Maryam’s purity and devotion were clearly demonstrated throughout her life. She was chosen by Allah for a mission that would change the course of history, as she was to be the mother of Isa (Jesus), a prophet who would guide humanity to the truth.

The Birth of Isa (Jesus)

The birth of Isa (Jesus) to Maryam is considered one of the greatest miracles in Islamic tradition. Maryam, despite her fear and confusion, followed Allah’s will and gave birth to a son without a father. This event is detailed in both the Quran and Islamic tradition, and the miraculous nature of Isa’s birth further elevates Maryam’s position in the Islamic faith.

After Isa’s birth, Maryam faced the challenge of explaining to her people the miraculous nature of her child’s conception. In the Quran, she was instructed to point to her son when questioned, and when she did so, Isa spoke as an infant, declaring his prophethood and his divine mission:

“Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.” (19:30)

Conclusion: Maryam’s Divine Role and Status in Islam

Maryam’s story, from her miraculous birth to her divine conception of Isa, highlights her exceptional faith, piety, and dedication to Allah’s will. Throughout her life, she experienced profound spiritual milestones, beginning with her miraculous birth, her time in the temple under Zakariyah’s guardianship, and the angelic announcement of her son’s birth. Her life serves as a model of purity, devotion, and trust in God’s plan.

Maryam’s elevated status in Islam is made clear by her special role as the mother of Isa (Jesus), one of the most revered prophets in Islam. She is considered one of the greatest women to have ever lived and serves as a source of inspiration for Muslims and Christians around the world.

References:

• Quran (Surah Al-Imran 3:35-37, Surah Maryam 19:16-21)
• Al-Tabari, History of the Prophets and Kings.
• Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya.
• Al-Qurtubi, Al-Jami’ li-Ahkam al-Quran.
• Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith collection).