The Holy Prophet (SA) said, “The best of the women of the world are four: Maryam bint Imran, Asiya bint Muzahim, Khadija bint Khuwaylid, and Fatima bint Muhammad.”
From them, the best is Lady Fatima al-Zahra (AS). It is important to learn about them because they are our role models.
Maryam bint Imran (SA)
Although the Holy Qur’an mentions the stories of many women, Lady Maryam is the only woman mentioned by name. There is even a Surah which is named after her, Surah 19.
Lady Maryam’s mother’s name was Hanna (or Anna) and her father’s name was ‘Imran. (Prophet Musa’s father’s name was also ‘Imran). Hanna’s sister Elizabeth was married to Prophet Zakariyya. Thus, Prophet Yahya and Lady Maryam were cousins.
‘Imran gave the good news to his wife that Allah had promised to give him a child who would be a messenger and heal the blind and revive the dead by Allah’s permission. Sadly, ‘Imran died shortly before the baby was to born. Lady Hanna decided that she would devote the child (whether boy or girl) in the service of Jerusalem. She wanted to please Allah by sacrificing what was most dear to her. When Lady Maryam was born, she said, “O Allah! I delivered a female child.” Lady Hanna was not upset that she had borne a female, but she was confused because a prophet can’t be female.” However, she understood that Allah had a purpose for her daughter and named her “Mary”, which means servant. When Allah later blessed Lady Maryam with ‘Isa, he was the fulfilment of His promise to ‘Imran of a child who would be a messenger, who would heal the blind and revive the dead with Allah’s permission.
Some traditions say that Lady Hanna immediately placed her newborn in the temple, but others say that Lady Maryam remained with her mother until the age of three or four. Lady Maryam was the daughter of Prophet so the other people said they would take charge of her to look after her, but Allah appointed Prophet Zakariyya as her guardian. In addition, his wife was Maryam’s aunt.
Lady Maryam remained in the temple and never set foot out of it. She served the worshipers and priests alongside the other children who had been dedicated. Lady Maryam grew day by day in wisdom and at an early age devoutly worshiped Allah. She became more perfect than others in worship.
Lady Maryam grew to be a very beautiful lady, and at the same time she was very chaste and modest. Prophet Zakariyya built a small room for her in the temple so she could worship far from the gazes of men. Whenever Prophet Zakariyya went to see Lady Maryam he found fruits of different seasons with her. When he inquired about the summer fruits in winter and winter fruits in summer, Lady Maryam replied, “It is from Allah. Surely Allah gives to whom he pleases without measure.” Reminded by Lady Maryam of Allah’s bounty, Prophet Zakariyya prayed to Allah to grant him a virtuous offspring even though he was an old man. Allah accepted his prayer and Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) was born.
One Friday when Lady Maryam was busy in worship, she saw a handsome man in her cloister. She became afraid, but he said, “I am but a messenger from your Lord whom he has sent so that I may give you a pure son.” It was the Archangel Jibra’il. Lady Maryam asked how she would have a son without a husband and he answered, “Your Lord says, ‘Such a thing is easy for me.’” When Allah decides something He only says “Be!” and it is. Prophet Jesus, Messiah, son of Lady Maryam, would be a sign of Allah for mankind so that they would know Allah’s power and mercy.
When the time of birth was near, Lady Maryam left the temple and Allah miraculously took her to Karbala. She was all alone in the barren desert. When she felt pain, she sat under a dead date palm. It was the 25th of Dhu al-qidah. Lady Maryam felt sad because she was worried people would ask her where this child came from. When Prophet Jesus was born, he said to his mother, “Do not fret! Your Lord has made a spring to flow at your feet. Shake the trunk of the date palm toward yourself and it will drop fresh dates upon you. Eat, drink, and be comforted.”
“And Mary, daughter of Imran, who guarded the chastity of her womb, so We breathed into it of Our spirit. She confirmed the words of her Lord and His Books, and she was one of the obedient (66:12).”
Lady Maryam felt comforted and knew Allah would always protect her. Jesus told his mother to vow silence and not speak to anyone. As miraculously as she had come, she was back in Jerusalem. The people greeted her as usual, but when they saw the baby they were astonished and started slandering her. Lady Maryam remained silent, which angered them even more.
Finally, she pointed at the child in her arms and he spoke, “I am a servant of Allah! He has given me the book and made me a prophet. He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and he has exhorted me to pray and give charity as long as I live and to be good to my mother.”
Lady Maryam is a role model of chastity and purity till the end of time. She was a devoted worshiper of Allah and had full faith and trust in what He planned.
