Mary is one of the most honored people in the Quran. In Arabic, her name is Maryam. She is the mother of [Jesus](/en/research/jesus-in-the-quran/), who is called Isa in Arabic. The Quran tells her story in real detail. It shows her as a woman of faith, purity, and deep devotion to God.

She is the only woman who is named in the Quran, and her name appears more than 30 times. One chapter, Surah Maryam (Quran 19), is named after her. (A surah is a chapter of the Quran.) Another chapter, Surah Al Imran (Quran 3), tells about her family, her birth, and the good news of Jesus.

This article stays close to the Quran itself and explains what the verses mean in their setting. It separates three kinds of information: what the Quran clearly says, what can reasonably be understood from it, and later Islamic tradition. Anything that comes from later tradition is labeled as such.

Her family

The Quran calls Mary “the daughter of Imran” (Quran 66:12). Her mother is called “the wife of Imran” (Quran 3:35). The Quran does not give the personal names of her mother or her father. It also does not say when Imran lived or give details about his life.

Later Islamic tradition often names Mary’s mother as Hannah. This name is not in the Quran, so this article treats it only as tradition.

The Quran does tell us that Mary’s family was honored. Just before her story begins, it says that God chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran above others (Quran 3:33–34). So the story of Mary starts inside a family that the Quran presents as chosen and righteous.

Her mother’s promise

The story begins with a prayer. Mary’s mother made a promise to God before her child was born. She said that what she carried would be given to God’s service, and she asked God to accept it (Quran 3:35). The Quran does not explain exactly what this service was. Later traditions give more details, but the Quran itself does not.

Her birth and name

When the baby was born, her mother told God that she had given birth to a girl (Quran 3:36). The Quran adds that God knew best what she had given birth to. The mother then said she had named the child Mary. She asked God to protect Mary and her future children from Satan, who in the Quran is the enemy that tempts people to do wrong.

This is where the Quran explains how Mary got her name. It is given by her mother, together with a prayer for her safety.

The Quran then says that God accepted Mary well and made her grow in a good way (Quran 3:37). This verse is the Quran’s short summary of her upbringing. It shows that her early life was under God’s care.

The Quran gives only a few verses about Mary’s childhood, but they are important.

Zakariya takes care of her

According to Quran 3:37, God made Zakariya her guardian. Zakariya (Zechariah) is a prophet in the Quran. Quran 19:2–15 tells how he later received the good news of a son named Yahya (John).

The Quran also says that the people around her cast lots to decide who would take care of Mary (Quran 3:44). The verse says they threw their pens. This shows that many people wanted to care for her. The Quran does not give more details about this event.

Food from God

Quran 3:37 describes something special. Whenever Zakariya went into the place where Mary prayed, he found food with her. He asked her where it came from. She answered that it was from God. She said that God gives to whomever He wills, without counting.

This short moment shows two things about Mary. She was devoted to worship, because Zakariya found her in her place of prayer. And she trusted God as the true giver of all provision.

The Quran does not say what kind of food it was, how old Mary was, or exactly where the place was. Later Islamic traditions add many details about her childhood, such as where she lived. Because the Quran does not give them, this article leaves them out.

A link to Zakariya’s prayer

The next verse says that “there” Zakariya prayed to God for a child of his own (Quran 3:38). Many readers see a link here. Zakariya saw how God cared for Mary, and this encouraged him to ask for a son. The verse suggests this connection, but it does not state it in so many words.

The Quran describes Mary’s special status in Quran 3:42. The angels tell her that God has chosen her, purified her, and chosen her above the women of the worlds. (English translations use slightly different words, but the meaning is the same.)

This verse says three things:

1. God chose Mary.
2. God purified Mary.
3. God chose her again above the women of the worlds.

The verse does not list exactly how she was purified. Muslim scholars explain it in different ways. Some think it means she was kept from sin. Some think it means she was kept clean from things that would harm her honor. The safest reading is the plain one: the Quran presents her as someone God honored and kept pure.

The next verse gives her a command: be devoutly obedient to your Lord, and bow and prostrate with those who bow (Quran 3:43). To prostrate means to place your forehead on the ground in worship. This shows that Mary’s honor is connected to her worship and obedience.

The good news of Jesus is told in two places: Surah Al Imran (3:45–47) and Surah Maryam (19:16–21). The two accounts match each other, and each one adds different details.

The message in Surah Al Imran

In Quran 3:45–47, the angels give Mary good news. They say:

• She will have a son whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary. (“Messiah” is a title the Quran gives to Jesus.)
• He will be honored in this world and in the next, and he will be among those close to God (3:45).
• He will speak to people as a baby in the cradle and as a grown man. He will be among the righteous (3:46).
• God will teach him the Book, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel, and he will be a messenger to the Children of Israel (3:48–49). (The Children of Israel are the descendants of the prophet Jacob, who is also called Israel.)

The verses also call Jesus “a word from Him,” meaning from God. Muslims understand this to mean that Jesus came into being by God’s command. Surah An-Nisa says something similar. It says Jesus is a messenger of God and His word, which God sent to Mary (Quran 4:171).

The message in Surah Maryam

Quran 19:16–21 tells the story from Mary’s side. It says Mary had gone away from her family to a place in the east. She put up a screen between herself and them. Then God sent “Our Spirit,” who appeared to her as a man (19:16–17).

The Quran does not name this Spirit in these verses. Later Islamic tradition says he was the angel Gabriel (Jibril). In Surah Al Imran, the Quran speaks of “angels,” and in Surah Maryam it speaks of the Spirit. The two accounts focus on different parts of the same event.

Mary’s reaction

Mary’s first words show her faith. She did not welcome the stranger. She said she sought protection with the Most Merciful from him, if he feared God (Quran 19:18).

The messenger answered that he was only a messenger from her Lord, sent to give her a pure boy (19:19).

Mary then asked a natural question. How could she have a child when no man had touched her, and she was not unchaste? (19:20; also 3:47). She was surprised. She was not doubting God’s power. She was asking how this could happen.

The answer is the same in both chapters. God creates what He wills. When He decides something, He only says “Be,” and it is (Quran 3:47). Quran 19:21 adds that this is easy for God, that the child will be a sign for people, and that he will be a mercy from God.

The Quran also says that God breathed into Mary of His Spirit (Quran 21:91; 66:12). The Quran says no more than this about how Jesus was conceived. It does not describe the process.

The Quran’s account of the birth is short and moving. It is in Quran 19:22–26.

Withdrawing from her people

The Quran says Mary conceived and then went away to a faraway place (19:22). It does not name the place. It does not say how long the pregnancy lasted. It does not mention Bethlehem or any town. Later traditions and other religions give more details, but they are not part of the Quranic account.

Pain and fear

When the pains of childbirth came, Mary went to the trunk of a date palm. She cried out that she wished she had died before this and had been completely forgotten (19:23).

This verse shows that Mary was human. She felt pain and fear. The Quran does not say in these words why she was afraid. But the next verses show how her people reacted, so it is reasonable to think she feared what they would say.

Comfort from God

God did not leave her alone. A voice called to her: do not be sad, because your Lord has placed a stream beneath you (19:24). The voice also told her to shake the trunk of the palm tree, and fresh ripe dates would fall (19:25). She was told to eat, drink, and be comforted (19:26).

The Quran does not say who spoke. Some scholars say it was the angel. Others say it was the baby Jesus. Both views exist in the Islamic tradition, and the Quran does not settle the question.

The lesson is easy to see. Mary was tired and afraid, and God gave her food, water, and comfort. The Quran also shows that she was asked to do something small: shake the tree. Her trust in God came together with effort.

A vow of silence

God told Mary what to say if anyone asked about the child. She should say that she had vowed a fast to the Most Merciful and would not speak to any person that day (19:26). Here “fast” means a vow of not speaking.

This detail becomes important in the next part of the story.

The Quran presents the birth of Jesus as a miracle and a sign. It calls Mary and her son “a sign for the worlds” (Quran 21:91). Quran 23:50 says again that God made the son of Mary and his mother a sign. It adds that God gave them shelter in a high, peaceful place with flowing water. The Quran does not say where this place was.

Why it is a miracle

In the Quran, the point is God’s power. God can create in any way He wills. Quran 3:59 gives a comparison. It says that in God’s sight Jesus is like Adam. God created Adam from dust and said to him “Be,” and he was. The Quran uses this comparison to show that Jesus’ birth, though unusual, is within God’s power.

Mary’s role

Mary’s role is honored, and it is also clear. She is a faithful woman chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. She is not divine. The Quran says plainly that the Messiah, son of Mary, was only a messenger, and that his mother was a woman of truth. It adds that both of them used to eat food (Quran 5:75). Eating food is a simple human act, and the verse uses it to remind readers that they were human.

So the Quran gives Mary great honor without placing her above the level of a human servant of God.

The miracles Jesus himself performed, by God’s permission, are covered in [the miracles of Jesus](/en/research/jesus-in-the-quran/#the-miracles-of-jesus).

Quran 19:27–33 tells what happened when Mary came back to her people.

Their reaction

Mary came to her people carrying the baby. They said she had done something very serious (19:27). They called her “sister of Aaron.” They reminded her that her father was not a bad man and her mother was not unchaste (19:28).

The words “sister of Aaron” are explained in different ways. One well-known report from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ says that people in those times often gave their children the names of earlier prophets and righteous people. Other scholars understand the phrase as a way of linking her to a righteous family. The Quran itself does not explain it, so this is a matter of interpretation.

The people’s harsh words show how hard the situation was for Mary. In another chapter, the Quran also criticizes those who spoke a great slander against Mary (Quran 4:156). So the Quran not only tells of the accusation. It also defends her honor.

Mary’s response

Mary did not argue. As she had been told, she did not speak. She pointed to the baby (19:29). This shows her calm and her trust in God. She left her defense to Him.

The people were shocked. They asked how they could speak to a child in the cradle (19:29).

Jesus speaks as a baby

Then Jesus spoke. According to Quran 19:30–33, he said:

• He is a servant of God. God gave him the Scripture and made him a prophet.
• God made him blessed wherever he is. God told him to pray and give charity as long as he lives.
• He is kind and dutiful to his mother. He is not proud or unhappy.
• Peace was upon him on the day he was born, will be on the day he dies, and will be on the day he is raised to life again.

These words answer the people’s doubt. They also show respect for Mary. Jesus names being good to his mother as one of the things God asked of him (19:32). The Quran also says Jesus would speak in the cradle in the good news given to Mary (3:46) and again in a reminder to Jesus of God’s favors (5:110).

The Quran does not give a long description of Mary’s personality. But its verses show clear qualities.

• Faith. Quran 66:12 says she believed in the words of her Lord and in His books.
• Devotion to God. She is found in her place of prayer (3:37). She is told to bow and prostrate with those who bow (3:43).
• Obedience. Quran 66:12 describes her as one of the devoutly obedient. The same Arabic idea appears in the command of 3:43.
• Purity. The Quran says she guarded her chastity (21:91; 66:12). She herself says no man had touched her (19:20).
• Truthfulness. Quran 5:75 calls her a woman of truth, which means someone who is deeply sincere and honest.
• Trust in God. She says that provision comes from God (3:37). She first turns to God for protection when the messenger appears (19:18).
• Patience and calm. The Quran does not use the word “patience” for her. But her calm silence when her people accused her (19:29), and her obedience to the instructions she was given (19:26), fit what people usually mean by patience.

The Quran also shows that she was human. She felt pain, fear, and distress (19:23). This makes her story easy for readers to relate to.

The bond between Mary and Jesus is clear in the Quran. Jesus is often called “Jesus, son of Mary” (for example in Quran 2:87, 2:253, 5:46, 57:27, and 61:6). This is a strong reminder that the Quran connects his story with hers.

The Quran also states what it teaches about both of them. It says that the Messiah, son of Mary, was a messenger of God (Quran 5:75; 4:171). It says that it is not right for God to take a son (19:35). It asks readers not to say “three” and to believe in God and His messengers (4:171).

In Quran 5:116, God asks Jesus whether he told people to take him and his mother as gods besides God. Jesus answers that he would never say what he had no right to say.

In the Quran, then, Jesus and Mary are both honored, and neither is God.

This article focuses on Mary. To read about Jesus himself, including his titles, his miracles, and his message, see [Jesus in the Quran](/en/research/jesus-in-the-quran/).

A note for readers from other faiths

Mary is also deeply respected in Christianity. Many Christians honor her greatly, and many believe that Jesus is the Son of God. The Quran presents a different view of Jesus’ nature, as shown above. This article only explains what the Quran says. It does not try to argue for or against any other belief.

There are also differences in the stories. For example, the Quran does not mention Joseph, a journey, or a town for the birth. It focuses on Mary, the palm tree, and the speech of the baby.

The Quran praises several women. It tells of the mother of Moses (28:7), the wife of Pharaoh (66:11), and the wife of Abraham (11:71–73). But Mary is the only woman the Quran names, and she gets her own chapter.

The main verse about her status is Quran 3:42, which says God chose her above “the women of the worlds.” Scholars read this phrase in two main ways. Some say it means the women of her own time. Others say it includes women of all times. The verse itself does not settle this. It also does not say how she compares with each other woman, so it should not be turned into a full ranking.

There is one more important point. Quran 66:11–12 gives two women, the wife of Pharaoh and Mary, as examples for all believers. Mary is held up as a model for men and women alike.

Mary’s story matters because of what it teaches.

• ۞Faith and trust in GodMary’s mother gave her to God and prayed for her protection (3:35–36). Mary trusted that provision came from God (3:37).
• ۞PurityThe Quran praises Mary for guarding her chastity (21:91; 66:12).
• ۞ObedienceShe is called devoutly obedient (66:12) and is told to worship with those who bow (3:43).
• ۞God’s powerThe birth of Jesus shows that God can do what He wills. “Be,” and it is (3:47).
• ۞MiraclesThe Quran calls Mary and Jesus a sign for the worlds (21:91; 23:50). The date palm, the stream, and the baby’s speech are all signs of God’s care.
• ۞MotherhoodMary’s mother, Mary herself, and Jesus’ kindness to his mother (19:32) all show that the Quran treats mothers with respect.
• ۞Patience in hardshipShe faced pain, fear, and false words. The Quran shows God supporting her through each of them.

Who was Mary in the Quran?

Mary (Maryam) was a faithful woman, the daughter of Imran and the mother of Jesus. The Quran says that God chose her and purified her (3:42).

Is Mary the mother of Jesus according to the Quran?

Yes. The Quran often calls Jesus “son of Mary” (for example 2:87, 5:46, 19:34).

What does the Quran say about Mary’s family?

It calls her the daughter of Imran (66:12). It speaks of her mother as the wife of Imran, who promised to give her child to God (3:35). The Quran does not give her parents’ personal names. It also says Zakariya was her guardian (3:37).

Was Mary chosen by God?

Yes. Quran 3:42 says God chose her, purified her, and chose her over the women of the worlds.

How did Mary become pregnant with Jesus?

The Quran says that God sent His Spirit to her and breathed into her of His Spirit (19:17–21; 21:91; 66:12). It teaches that this was by God’s command, “Be,” and it is (3:47). It gives no further detail.

What does the Quran say about the birth of Jesus?

Mary withdrew to a faraway place. She gave birth near a date palm. God gave her a stream and fresh dates. She then returned to her people, and the baby spoke in the cradle (19:22–33).

Does the Quran say Mary was divine?

No. The Quran calls her a woman of truth who ate food like other people (5:75). It does not present her as divine. It also does not present Jesus as divine. It calls him a messenger of God (4:171; 5:75).

What does the Quran say about Mary’s character?

It describes her as a believer, devoutly obedient, pure, truthful, and trusting in God (66:12; 5:75; 3:37; 3:43).

Why is there a Surah called Maryam?

Surah Maryam (Quran 19) contains the Quran’s longest account of Mary, in verses 16–36. The Quran does not itself explain why the chapter has her name. The most natural reason is that her story is its central part.

Mary is one of the most honored people in the Quran. She is the only woman named in it. Her story begins with her mother’s prayer, continues through her care by Zakariya, and reaches its high point in the good news of Jesus and his birth.

The Quran describes Mary as chosen, pure, faithful, devoted, and trusting in God. It tells of her fear and pain, and also of God’s comfort. It shows her silent in front of her accusers, and God answering for her through her baby son.

At the same time, the Quran teaches that Mary and Jesus were both servants of God. Mary’s importance does not come from being divine. It comes from her faith and from the great sign God placed in her. In this way, the story of Mary in the Quran is a story about God’s mercy, God’s power, and the strength of those who trust Him.

A note on sources: All verse numbers follow the standard numbering of the Quran. English translations differ slightly in wording, so most verses here are given in simple words rather than quoted exactly. Where a point comes from later Islamic tradition rather than the Quran, the text says so.

The Holy Quran

Surah Al Imran (3:33–49, 3:59), Surah An-Nisa (4:156, 4:171), Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:46, 5:75, 5:110, 5:116), Surah Maryam (19:2–36), Surah Al-Anbiya (21:91), Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:50), Surah At-Tahrim (66:11–12), and the other verses cited in the text.

Sahih Muslim

Report on naming children after earlier prophets and righteous people, cited for the phrase “sister of Aaron” (Quran 19:28).