In the rich tapestry of Islamic history, one name stands out as a beacon of purity, resilience, and unparalleled faith: Maryam (AS), the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus). Her story is not merely a historical account but a divine testament to the power of devotion and the high status of women in Islam.
As the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, Maryam (AS) is a figure of immense importance. Allah did not just mention her; He honored her with an entire chapter bearing her name (Surah Maryam) and held her up as the ultimate role model for all believers i.e. men and women alike. From her miraculous birth and her service in the sanctuary to the incredible miracle of the virgin birth, her life was a series of signs (Ayat) for those who reflect.
In a world searching for spiritual icons, Maryam (AS) provides a timeless example of Tawakkul (absolute trust in God) and Siddiqiyyah (truthfulness). Whether you are exploring her life through the verses of the Quran or seeking to understand her role as the mother of one of the greatest prophets, this blog provides an extremely detailed look into the life of the woman whom Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described as the “best of all women.”
The Birth of Maryam
Maryam was born into the noble family of Imran. Her mother, Hannah, had dedicated her unborn child to the service of Allah, expecting a boy. When Maryam was born, Hannah remained true to her vow.
The Quranic Reference
Allah mentions the prayer of the mother of Maryam:
Arabic: رَبِّ إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِي بَطْنِي مُحَرَّرًا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي
Transliteration: Rabbi inni nathartu laka ma fi batni muharraran fataqabbal minni.
English Translation: “My Lord, I have vowed to You what is in my womb, dedicated [to Your service], so accept this from me.” – (Surah Al-Imran, 3:35)
Early Life of Maryam
Maryam was placed under the care of Prophet Zakariyah (Zacharias). She spent her time in a private chamber (Al-Mihrab) worshipping Allah. Zakariyah often found her with out-of-season fruits, which was a sign of her high spiritual rank.
“Every time Zakariyah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, ‘O Maryam, from where is this coming to you?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.'” – (Surah1 Al-Imran, 3:37)
The Miracle of the Virgin Birth
The most pivotal moment in the life of Maryam was the Annunciation. The Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to her to announce the birth of a “pure son,” despite her being a virgin.
The Dialogue with the Angel
When Maryam questioned how she could have a son, the response was a testament to Allah’s power:
Arabic: قَالَ كَذَلِكِ قَالَ رَبُّكِ هُوَ عَلَيَّ هَيِّنٌ
Transliteration: Qala kathaliki qala rabbuki huwa alayya hayyin.
English Translation: “He said, ‘Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, “It is easy for Me.”‘” – (Surah Maryam, 19:21)
Key Theological Point
In Islam, the birth of Isa (AS) without a father is a miracle of creation, similar to the creation of Adam.
- Adam: Created without a mother or father.
- Isa: Created without a father.
The Status of Maryam in Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified Maryam as one of the most perfect women to ever live.
Arabic: خَيْرُ نِسَائِهَا مَرْيَمُ ابْنَةُ عِمْرَانَ
Transliteration: Khayru nisaaiha Maryamubnatu Imran.
English Translation: “The best of the world’s women is Maryam, daughter of Imran.” – (Sahih Bukhari)
She is often cited alongside Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatima bint Muhammad, and Asiya (the wife of Pharaoh) as the four leaders of the women in Paradise.
The Only Woman Mentioned by Name in the Quran
In the Holy Quran, many noble women are discussed, such as Hawwa (Eve), Asiya (the wife of Pharaoh), and the wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). However, Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa (Jesus), holds a unique and singular distinction: she is the only woman mentioned by name in the entire Quran.
This section explores why she was chosen for this honor and the spiritual significance of her name being eternalized in divine revelation.
Why is Maryam the Only Woman Named in the Quran?
Scholars and commentators have noted several profound reasons why Allah chose to name Maryam specifically, while referring to other great women by their titles or relationships (e.g., “The Mother of Musa” or “The Wife of Pharaoh”).
1. To Establish the Miraculous Virgin Birth
By repeatedly calling Isa (AS) “Isa ibn Maryam” (Jesus, son of Mary), the Quran emphasizes that he had no father. In a patriarchal society where children were named after their fathers, this naming convention serves as a constant linguistic miracle and a refutation of those who claimed he was the son of God.
2. To Defend Her Honor
Maryam was subjected to severe slander and false accusations by her people when she returned with a child. By naming her directly and calling her Siddiqah (The Truthful), Allah personally vindicated her and cleared her name for all of eternity.
3. As a Sign for All Humanity
Allah says in the Quran:
Arabic: وَجَعَلْنَاهَا وَابْنَهَا آيَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
Transliteration: Wa ja-alnaha wabnaha ayatan lil-alameen.
English Translation: “And We made her and her son a sign for the worlds.” – (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:91)
The Frequency of Her Name
The name “Maryam” appears 34 times in the Quran. To put this in perspective, she is mentioned more times by name in the Quran than in the entire New Testament. Her name is associated with:
- Surah Maryam (Chapter 19): A full chapter named after her.
- Al-Imran (The Family of Imran): Detailed accounts of her birth and childhood.
- At-Tahrim (The Prohibition): Where she is set as the ultimate example for all believers i.e. men and women alike.
- Surah Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread): The verses in this surah focus on the relationship between Maryam and Isa (AS) and clarify their human nature.
| Surah Name | Surah Number | Total Mentions of “Maryam” |
| Al-Imran | 3 | 7 times |
| Al-Ma’idah | 5 | 8 times |
| Maryam | 19 | 3 times |
| Al-Baqarah | 2 | 3 times |
| Various Others | 4, 9, 23, 33, 43, 57, 61, 66 | 13 times |
| Total | — | 34 times |
The Greatest of All Women
The Quran explicitly states that Maryam was chosen above all women who have ever existed or will ever exist.
Arabic: يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَاكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَاصْطَفَاكِ عَلَى نِسَاءِ الْعَالَمِينَ
Transliteration: Ya Maryamu innal-laha-stafaki wa tahharaki was-tafaki ala nisail-alameen.
English Translation: “O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:42)
Key Lessons from Her Unique Mention
| Lesson | Significance |
| Spiritual Independence | She reached the highest level of faith through her own devotion, not just through a male relative. |
| Validation of Women | Her naming shows that a woman’s identity is significant and honored in the sight of Allah. |
| Strength in Trial | Despite being the only woman named, her story is one of seclusion and silence, teaching that true strength is internal. |
Maryam as a Role Model for Modern Times
Maryam is described by Allah as Siddiqah (The Truthful/Believer). Her life offers several lessons:
- Chastity and Modesty: She protected her honor and is held as the gold standard of modesty.
- Trust in Allah (Tawakkul): Even when faced with the immense trial of social scrutiny, she relied entirely on Allah’s plan.
- Devotion: Her life was centered around the “Mihrab” (place of prayer), emphasizing the importance of spiritual solitude.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Description |
| Title | Siddiqah (The Truthful) |
| Father | Imran |
| Son | Isa (Jesus) |
| Guardian | Prophet Zakariyah |
| Main Virtue | Absolute Purity and Devotion |
Conclusion
Maryam (AS) stands as a unique beacon of faith, honored as the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. Her story is a divine masterclass in Tawakkul (reliance on God) and Siddiqiyyah (truthfulness). From her childhood in the sanctuary to the miraculous birth of Prophet Isa (AS), she proved that true strength lies in devotion and purity. Allah chose her above all women, defending her honor in the Quran and naming an entire chapter i.e. Surah Maryam after her.
Today, she remains the ultimate role model for all believers, proving that through patience and prayer, the impossible becomes easy with Allah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Maryam mentioned in the Quran?
Yes, Maryam is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. She is mentioned 34 times, which is more than in the New Testament.
What is the lineage of Maryam?
She belongs to the Family of Imran (Al-Imran), a lineage of prophets and righteous people from the tribe of Israel (Bani Israil).
Did Maryam marry?
According to the Islamic tradition and the Quranic text, Maryam remained a virgin and did not marry. Her life was dedicated to the service of God and the raising of Prophet Isa.
