Maryam: An Exemplary Muslim Woman .3

When Mary returned with the Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him), her people could not comprehend Allah’s miracle. Thus, they slandered her, even though they knew that she, being a member of ‘Imran’s family, was devout, held Allah in great fear and respect, had an immaculate character, and always protected her modesty. Allah reveals some of these slanders:

“She brought him to her people, carrying him. They exclaimed: ‘Mary! You have done an unthinkable thing! Sister of Aaron, your father was not an evil man nor was your mother an unchaste woman!’ ” (Surah Maryam: 27-28)

No doubt, this was a trial for Mary, for she had to face such accusations despite being a chaste woman who held Allah in the greatest respect and awe. These people ignored her impeccable character and honorable conduct, despite her own reputation and that of her family, and so, as always, she turned toward Allah, and trusted in Him, knowing that He would defend her in the best possible way.

Mary’s Vow of Silence

Allah, Who always answered her prayers with generosity and compassion, gave her inner peace during this trial. Knowing that Allah would exonerate her completely, Allah inspired her to make a vow: "If you should see anyone at all, just say: ‘I have made a vow of abstinence to the All-Merciful, and today I will not speak to any human being’" (Surah Maryam: 26). This is what she told her people.

After this, she only pointed to the Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him), about whom Allah said through Gabriel: "He will speak to people in the cradle and when fully grown, and will be one of the believers" (Surah Al ‘Imran: 46), when people confronted and slandered her.

Allah showed her people a great miracle by enabling the Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him) to speak while he was still a baby in the cradle. Through his words, Allah exonerated his mother Mary and also introduced the Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him) as one of His Prophets sent to the Israelites:

“She pointed towards him. They asked: "How can a baby in the cradle speak?" He [Jesus] said: "I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Book and made me a Prophet. He has made me blessed wherever I am, directed me to perform prayer and give alms [zakat] as long as I live, and to show devotion to my mother. He has not made me insolent or arrogant. Peace be upon me the day I was born and the day I die, and the day I am raised up again alive." That is Jesus, son of Mary, the Word of Truth about which they are in doubt.” (Surah Maryam: 29-34)

This miracle amazed Mary’s people. By saying: "… and she who guarded her chastity. We breathed into her some of Our Spirit and made her and her son a Sign for all the worlds" (Surat Al-Anbiya’: 91), Allah made both of them superior to all other people. Mary’s superior character, honor, and purity were revealed through this speech, and those who had slandered her were defeated.

By saying: "And We made the son of Mary and his mother a Sign and gave them ********ter on a mountainside where there was a meadow and a flowing spring" (Surat al-Mu’minun: 50), He reveals that the Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him) and Mary continued to live under His grace after these events.

Those who Slandered Mary

These miracles showed the Israelites that Allah had made Mary and the Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him) superior to other people. In fact, Allah reveals that those who continued to slander Mary would be punished severely:

And [We punished them] on account of their unbelief, their utterance of a monstrous slander against Mary, and their saying: "We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, Messenger of Allah." … (Surat An-Nisa’: 156-157)

Mary’s Superior Character

Mary is a role model for all Muslim women because she maintained her impeccable character throughout her life. Allah raised her like a lovely plant, to use the Qur’an’s expression, and gave her a very important responsibility.

Allah chose her, just as He chose ‘Imran’s family, made her one person in this lineage of the most devout and faithful people, and had her raised by these virtuous people.

He then gave her the character of a chosen and superior Prophet by entrusting her education to the Prophet Zacharia (Peace be upon him).

When she reached this level of maturity, Allah began to show her His miracles, and she clearly saw His grace, protection, and mercy upon herself.

One example of this support and grace was that she found food on the altar whenever she worshipped Him.

Later on, Allah introduced her to Gabriel, who told her about Allah’s grace on her with his own words.

Mary demonstrated her genuine devotion and loyalty to Allah through her impeccable virtue and behavior.

She also expressed her profound and genuine devotion to Him through her determination, devotion, and unconditional surrender to His will.

Being alone in moments of great difficulty was a great trial for her, because she had no one to help, support, or guide her.