The Legacy of Maryam (A.S.): A Portrait of Strength and Divine Honor

Assalamu’alaykum, my beloved community. I recently came across a film that beautifully depicts the life of Maryam (A.S.), the mother of Prophet Isa (A.S.), and it’s one that I believe every Muslim should watch. It’s not just about the portrayal of a mother’s love for her child, but a deeper exploration into why Maryam (A.S.) is one of the most exalted women in history. Her story is more than just about being the mother of Isa (A.S.)—it is a profound testament to strength, resilience, and a faith so unwavering, it has the power to transform the lives of those who truly reflect on it.

As a revert, my understanding of Maryam (A.S.) evolved over time. Growing up, I knew her mostly as the mother of “Jesus Christ.” That’s how the world often presents her. But Islam offers a far more profound understanding of her life, her purity, and her connection to the Divine. When I came into Islam, I began to discover just how much more there is to her story, and how, despite all the noise from the media and our surroundings, Maryam (A.S.) stands as a monumental figure for us women.

A gentle note:

This is my insight from watching the series and also reading how Maryam a.s. is portrayed in Islam. To me, her story shows not only why she is the purest and exalted woman but how she was strong, resilient and patient in serving and having faith in Allah. This serves as a sign to behold for us women.

The Purest Vessel: Maryam (A.S.)’s Early Life and Divine Pledge

Maryam (A.S.)’s story begins long before her miraculous birth of Isa (A.S.). In Islam, we learn that her mother, Hannah, made a vow to Allah before Maryam (A.S.) was even born. She pledged her unborn child to the service of Allah, a vow that was both a promise and an act of devotion. Even though Maryam (A.S.) was born a girl in a society that often favored sons, her mother’s commitment was unshaken. Allah accepted this pledge, and Maryam (A.S.) grew up with a divine purpose: she was to be a vessel for the birth of The Messiah. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:

“When the wife of ‘Imran said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated. So accept this from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'”
[Qur’an, 3:35]

From the very beginning, Maryam (A.S.) was dedicated to serving Allah. The purity of her upbringing, grounded in divine servitude, set her on a path unlike any other woman.

A Woman of Knowledge and Faith: Maryam (A.S.)’s Role as a Scholar

What struck me deeply was Maryam (A.S.)’s intellectual depth. She was not just a devoted woman; she was also a learned one. Raised in the temple, Maryam (A.S.) was educated in the ways of the Deen, and her level of knowledge was on par with the Prophets of her time. While Christianity focuses largely on Maryam (A.S.)’s role as a mother, Islam honors her for her intelligence and her ability to carry the legacy of knowledge and faith. This was no ordinary woman—she was an embodiment of piety and wisdom.

The Qur’an tells us that Maryam (A.S.) was not only protected by Allah but was also granted miracles. In Surah Aal-Imran, Allah (SWT) describes how angels would come to her:

“And mention when the angels said, ‘O Maryam, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Isa, the son of Maryam – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah].'”
[Qur’an, 3:45]

These encounters with angels weren’t random—they were a sign of her elevated status in the eyes of Allah. She was chosen. She was protected.

She was a beacon of light in a world often lost in darkness.

The Virgin Birth of Isa (A.S.): The Ultimate Miracle

The most well-known miracle of Maryam (A.S.) is, of course, the virgin birth of Isa (A.S.). The Qur’an is clear on this miraculous event, stating that Maryam (A.S.) conceived Isa (A.S.) by the power of Allah alone. In Surah Maryam, Allah (SWT) says:

“She said, ‘My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?’ He [Allah] said, ‘Thus it will be; Allah creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.'”
[Qur’an, 3:47]

This wasn’t just a physical miracle—it was a sign of Allah’s absolute power and control over the universe. Isa (A.S.) was no ordinary child. His birth was a sign to humanity, a reminder that nothing is impossible for Allah. And Maryam (A.S.), as the chosen mother of The Messiah, became a symbol of purity and divine grace.

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Maryam (A.S.): A Single Mother Who Exemplified Strength and Faith

In a world where single mothers are often looked down upon, Maryam (A.S.) stands as a pillar of strength and honor. She was a single mother—something that, even today, comes with stigmas and judgments. Yet, Maryam (A.S.) bore her son, Isa (A.S.), with nothing but trust in Allah’s plan for her.

The Qur’an acknowledges Maryam (A.S.)’s status as a single mother. In Surah Maryam, Allah (SWT) says:

“Then she brought him [Isa (A.S.)] to her people, carrying him. They said, ‘O Maryam, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented.'”
[Qur’an, 19:27]

Despite the whispers of scandal and judgment, Maryam (A.S.) remained steadfast. She never wavered in her trust in Allah. This should serve as a profound lesson for all single mothers today. Maryam (A.S.)’s story shows us that no matter how difficult the journey, if we rely on Allah, we will never be forsaken. The stigma that society places on single mothers is completely irrelevant in the sight of Allah. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whoever supports two girls until they mature, he and I will be like this on the Day of Judgment,”
[Sahih Muslim]

This Hadith echoes the greatness of supporting women, and in the case of Maryam (A.S.), Allah (SWT) not only supported her but elevated her status as the mother of the Messiah.

The Strength of Maryam (A.S.) as a Single Parent: Raising The Messiah with Divine Guidance

One important point I always find striking is the absence of mention of a father figure in the upbringing of Isa (A.S.) in the Qur’an. In the Islamic narrative, Joseph is never mentioned in the story of Maryam (A.S.) raising Isa (A.S.). This fact serves as a powerful reminder that Maryam (A.S.) was not only capable but divinely guided to raise Isa (A.S.) without the need for a man. The Qur’an clearly states that both Maryam (A.S.) and Isa (A.S.) were directly under the care and protection of Allah (SWT).

It’s clear that Allah (SWT) prepared Maryam (A.S.) for her immense responsibility. He gave her the strength, the knowledge, and the guidance she needed to raise the future Messiah, and He protected her every step of the way.

Reflecting on the Legacy of Maryam (A.S.)

Maryam (A.S.) is not just a figure of purity—she is a role model of strength, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her life teaches us that no matter the trials we face—whether it be societal pressure, judgment, or personal hardship—if we place our full trust in Allah, He will guide us through. In a world that often makes us feel small or insignificant, Maryam (A.S.)’s example reminds us that Allah values faith and perseverance above all.

Her life is a beacon of hope for all of us, especially women. If we hold fast to the Deen, if we trust in Allah’s wisdom, we can overcome anything. Maryam (A.S.) didn’t just survive her circumstances—she was elevated by them. May we strive to live with the same strength, resilience, and unshakable faith that she displayed.