A Messenger, in the context of Islam, is a Prophet who receives revelation directly from God. The Torah, for instance, was revealed to Moses, while the Gospel was revealed to Jesus. It might surprise some to learn that Muslims hold Mary, the mother of Jesus, in high regard. The Quran gives Mary significant attention, highlighting her importance among women in the text. Among the 114 chapters in the Quran, eight are named after individuals, and one of them is dedicated to Mary, known as “Mariam” in Arabic. Even her father, Imran, has a chapter named after him. Chapters Mariam and Al-Imran are considered among the most beautiful in the Quran.

Mary, often referred to with the honorific “peace be upon her,” holds a unique position in Islam. She is the only woman specifically named in the Quran. A Hadith, considered authentic, quotes the Prophet Muhammad praising Mary and the wife of Pharaoh, Asia, as exemplary women. Mary’s story in the Quran begins even before her birth when her mother makes a vow to dedicate her child to God. Despite expecting a male child, Mary’s mother accepts God’s plan when Mary is born. Mary’s name, meaning “maidservant of God,” reflects her mother’s devotion.

Mary’s upbringing under the care of Zacharias, a priest, is noted in the Quran. Despite societal norms, Mary receives sustenance from God directly while under Zacharias’s care. She is later visited by the Angel Gabriel, who informs her of her miraculous conception. Despite initial skepticism, Zacharias and his wife are blessed with a son, John, who becomes a noble Prophet.

Mary’s miraculous conception is detailed in the Quran, emphasising her purity and submission to God’s will. She questions the angel’s announcement, given her chastity, but ultimately accepts God’s decree. This acceptance leads to her pregnancy and the birth of Jesus, who is recognized as a Prophet and Messenger in Islam.

The Quran discusses Mary’s miraculous conception as well. {Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.} (Maryam 19: 16-7). After seeing the angel, she said: {I seek refuge from thee to (God) Most Gracious: (come not near) if thou dost fear God.} (Maryam 19: 18). The angel Gabriel responded: {Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a pure son.} (Quran 19: 19). Her next response is expected. She asked: {How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?} The Angel Gabriel said: {So (it will be): thy Lord saith, ‘That is easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us.’ It is a matter (so) decreed.} (Maryam 19: 21-2). Mary then becomes pregnant.

In summary, Mary’s story in Islam highlights her piety, devotion, and submission to God’s will, making her an exemplary figure for all believers.