Mary in the Quran: The Character and Her Legacy
The character of Mary in the Quran holds a unique and exalted position, representing not only the mother of Isa (Jesus) but also a revered figure in Islamic tradition. This article explores how Mary is depicted in the Quran, her lineage, and her significance in Islamic teachings.
Introduction to Mary, the Mother of Isa
The Holy Quran dedicates Surah Maryam to the story of Mary (Maryam) and her role in the life of Isa. Unlike other religious texts that mention her, the Quran provides a detailed narrative of her life, emphasizing her purity, righteousness, and divine favor. Mary, the mother of Isa, is the only woman explicitly named in the Quran, highlighting her importance in Islamic theology.
Mary's Lineage and Family Background
According to the Quran, Mary is the daughter of Imran, a highly esteemed individual in Islamic tradition. She is part of a lineage that includes other prophetical figures such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Imran himself. The Quran emphasizes the purity and holiness of this lineage, stating:
Mπd Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of Ibrahim and the family of Imran above the worlds. Descendants some of them from others. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
These verses in Surah Ali-Imran (3:33-34) establish the extraordinary status of Imran and his family, positioning Mary within this revered lineage.
Mary's Dedication and Virgin Birth
Before the birth of Isa, Mary's mother makes a solemn vow to Allah. This is described in Surah Ali-Imran (3:35-36):
My Lord, indeed I vowed to you what is in my womb to be dedicated. Allah accepts from me, for indeed You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
Upon giving birth to Maryam, she declares, 'O Lord, indeed I have delivered a female, and Allah knows best what I delivered, and the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam, and I seek refuge for her in You, and from the Shaitaan [I seek refuge].'
Isa's Birth and Miracles
The birth of Isa is marked by miraculous circumstances, as described in Surah Maryam (19:20-26). Maryam's infant, Isa, is able to speak as a newborn, declaring his mother's purity and innocence:
O people, I am only the messenger of Allah, and His Word that He spoke to Mary, the daughter of Imran, a pure word from Him. His hand is upon her, and I am a witness over what I have been commanded, and I am the first of the messengers of Allah to be saluted, (by the angels in the form of Jibril, Gabriel).
Isa's miraculous speech serves as a testimony to the truth of their circumstances and sets the tone for his future prophetic mission.
Comparing Mary to Miriam in the Torah
By comparing the character of Mary in the Quran to Miriam in the Old Testament, we can see that there is a clear distinction. Miriam in the Torah is described as the sister of Aaron and Moses, a prophetess herself. The Quran and the Torah share a common lineage, tracing Mary's father back to Amran (Imran) in the Torah. However, the context is significantly different, as Mary in the Quran is described as a unique and consecrated individual:
And took Miriam, the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
The Torah describes Miriam as a prophetess who played a significant role in the exodus from Egypt, confirming her importance in the story. Yet, she is not the same as Mary the mother of Jesus as understood in Christian tradition.
Modern Misinterpretations and Clarity in Quranic Text
Modern interpretations that link Mary in the Quran with Mary the mother of Jesus are based on genealogical speculations and traditions, rather than the core message of the Quran. The Quran clearly outlines Mary's character and lineage, affirming her as a member of the tribe of Levi, as evidenced by Surah Ali-Imran (3:33-34). This is further corroborated by the lineage in the Torah, which traces the family connections, emphasizing Mary's unique status in the spiritual lineage.
Conclusion
Mary, the mother of Isa, as described in the Quran, is a figure of immense reverence and respect. Her role in the life of Isa and her miraculous circumstances are central to Islamic beliefs. Understanding the Quranic depiction of Mary helps to clarify the distinctions between her character and that of other biblical figures, ensuring that interpretations remain faithful to the text and its teachings.