Mary in Islam Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Mary, The Holy Virgin (سانت ماري، العذراء المقدسة)
The Virgin Mary and Jesus in a Persian miniature.
Virgin, The Purified, The Exalted, Mother of Isa, Keeper of Chastity, Mystic, Female Exemplar, Maternal Heroine, Queen of the Saints, The Holy Virgin, Our Lady, Blessed Mary Sai'ma, Mustafia, Rāki’ah, Sājidah, Qānitah, Siddiqah, Tāhirah
Born	c. 20 B.C.E Jerusalem
Died	c. 100-120 C.E Jerusalem
Venerated in	All of Islam, All of Christianity
Feast	8 December (in Christianity)

Mary, also known as Mariam, is the mother of Isa (Jesus). She is highly respected in Islam. Her parents are mentioned as Imran and Hannah. She is considered one of the most important and righteous women in Islam.

Mary is mentioned in the Quran more often than in the New Testament (Bible). She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. Many Muslim women see her as a great role model. The Quran says that Allah (God) chose Mary above all women of all nations.

The Quran states:

Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee- chosen thee above the women of all nations.

—Quran, sura 3 (Al Imran), ayah 42.

Mary in the Quran
Arabic Titles for Mary
Mary's Burial Place
Images for kids
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Mary in the Quran

Mary is mentioned many times in the Quran. Her life story appears in the earliest chapters. The nineteenth chapter of the Quran is even named after her. This chapter is called Maryam.

Mary's Family

In the Quran, Mary is believed to be the daughter of Imran and Hanna (Anne). Some people might confuse them with the parents of Prophet Moses, Aaron, and their sister Miriam. However, these are not the same families. While Moses and Aaron did have a sister named Miriam (Mary), and their father was also named Amram (Imran), they lived at different times.

Mary's Birth

The Quran mentions Mary's birth in several chapters. Her father, Imran, is also mentioned. The Quran says that Imran and Anne were old and had no children for many years.

One day, Anne saw a bird feeding its young. This made Anne wish for a child of her own. She prayed to Allah for a child. She promised that if her prayer was answered, her child's life would be dedicated to serving Allah. Anne also prayed for her child to be protected from Satan.

Mary's Early Life

The Quran says that Mary grew up in the temple of prayer. She had a special place there just for herself. The Quran states that people cast lots (like drawing straws) to decide who would become Mary's guardian. The person chosen was the Prophet Zechariah.

Often, when Zechariah visited Mary's chamber, he would find her with lots of food. He always asked her where she got the food. Mary would always answer: "Allah provides to whom he will." As a prophet, Zechariah understood this answer. He knew that Allah is the provider of all things.

The Annunciation

The birth of Isa and the Annunciation to Mary are very important in Islam. They are seen as some of Allah's most important miracles. The first mention of the Annunciation is in sura 19 (Maryam), ayah 20.

The Quran tells us that the Angel Gabriel came to Mary. He told her that she would soon be pregnant with a holy child. Mary asked how she could become pregnant when no man had touched her. The Angel Gabriel replied that nothing is impossible for Allah. He said that the birth of Jesus would be a sign for all mankind. The birth is also mentioned later in sura 66 (At-Tahrim), ayah 12. There, the Quran says that Mary remained pure while Allah created Isa inside her womb.

The Virgin Birth of Jesus

Virgin Mary nurtured by a palm tree, as described in the Quran.

The Quran talks about the virgin birth of Isa many times. It also states that Jesus was created when Allah breathed on Mary while her body was pure.

Mary with Jesus near the Palm tree where she gave birth.

The Quran's story of Isa's birth is different from the one in the New Testament. The Quran says that Mary was having childbirth pains. She saw a nearby palm tree and held onto it. While she was holding the tree, she heard a voice. The voice seemed to come from the earth beneath the tree. It said, "Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a stream beneath your feet. Shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards yourself. It will drop its fresh ripe dates upon you." Mary then promised not to speak with any man that day.

Later, after Isa's birth, Mary brought him to the temple. All the men in the temple made fun of her. Only Zechariah believed in the virgin birth. The Israelites demanded to know how she could have a baby without a man. Mary responded by pointing to Jesus. Then, Jesus spoke his first prophecy.

Arabic Titles for Mary

Mary is known by several special names in Arabic. Each name describes an important part of her life or character:

Qānitah: This name is used in sura 66:12. It refers to Mary spending her childhood in the Temple of Prayer.
Siddiqah: Mary is called this twice in sura 5 (Al-Ma'ida), ayat 73-75. It means "She who confirms the truth" or "She who has faith."
Sājidah: This name means "She who prostrates to God (Allah) in worship." The Quran states that Mary prostrated to Allah:

"O Mary! Worship your Lord devoutly: prostrate yourself".

Rāki’ah: This name means "She who bows down to God (Allah) in worship." The Quran states that Mary bowed down to Allah in worship:

"O Mary! Bow down in prayer with those men, who bow down." This is believed to be a command to Mary from the Angels.

Tāhirah: This name for Mary means "She who was purified."
Mustafia: This name means "She who was chosen." The Quran states that Mary was chosen by Allah above every woman of every nation:

"O Mary! God has chosen you and purified you and again he has chosen you above all women of all nations of the worlds"

Sa’imah: This name means "She who fasts." Some Muslim traditions believe that Mary once fasted for half a year.

Mary's Burial Place

Mary is believed to have been buried in a tomb. This tomb is at the foot of the Mount of Olives in the Kidron Valley. Today, this tomb is known as the Tomb of the Virgin Mary.