The Story of Maryam (Alai)
A Role Model for Women
A serene illustration inspired by the life of Maryam (Alai)
1. Family of Imran: Chosen by Allah for Greatness
Maryam (Alai) comes from a noble and righteous lineage. She was born into the family of Imran, a family chosen by Allah for their piety and devotion. Her mother, who was initially barren, prayed earnestly to Allah for a child, vowing to dedicate her child to Allah’s service. Allah, in His infinite mercy, granted her this wish, and Maryam’s birth was the answer to her mother’s prayers.
The family of Imran had a long history of devotion, and their lineage was pure, making them the perfect chosen family for Maryam. Imran’s family was a symbol of dedication and piety, which made them deserving of Allah’s blessings. This choice signifies that Allah’s selection is not random, but based on a family’s sincerity, devotion, and commitment to righteousness.
2. Allah's Will: A Female Child Instead of a Male
In her mother’s prayer, she had hoped for a son who would grow up to serve the Temple of Jerusalem, as it was traditionally a male duty. However, Allah had other plans. When she gave birth, it was a girl – Maryam. Her mother was initially surprised, but Allah responded, “And the male is not like the female.”
Reference (Surah Al-Imran, 3:36).
Though she had expected a son, Allah had chosen Maryam for a higher purpose. This shows that Allah’s wisdom and choices are beyond human comprehension, and His plans are always perfect. The story highlights the importance of accepting Allah’s will, even when it is different from our expectations.
3. Allah Appoints Zakariya (Alai) as Her Guardian
When Maryam (Alai) was born, she was entrusted to the care of her maternal uncle, Zakariya (Alai), a righteous prophet of Allah. The Quran mentions that whenever Zakariya visited her in the temple, he would find provisions with her, even though she was not of age to go out and gather them. He was amazed, and Maryam replied that it was a gift from Allah
Reference (Surah Al-Imran, 3:37).
Zakariya was astonished by the miraculous provisions and asked Allah how this could be. Allah’s answer was a reminder of His power to provide and sustain all things. Zakariya, though older and without children, was also given the good news of a child, Yahya (John the Baptist), as a result of his faith and trust in Allah.
4. The Provision of Maryam: A Divine Miracle
The provisions that appeared for Maryam were not ordinary food, but a divine blessing from Allah. The Quran beautifully describes how Maryam was provided with sustenance directly from Allah when she was alone in the temple. This miraculous provision was a sign of Allah’s care and protection over her.
As she grew older, Maryam became known for her purity, devotion, and worship. She spent her time in the temple, dedicated to Allah’s service, and her life became a symbol of chastity and piety.
5. The Good News from Allah: A Messenger Brings Divine Tidings
One day, an angel appeared to Maryam with the good news that she would bear a son, even though she had never been touched by a man. This angel was sent by Allah, and he brought her the news of the miraculous birth of a son who would be known as Isa (Alai). At first, Maryam was astonished and questioned the angel, as she was not married. The angel responded, “Thus Allah creates what He wills.”
Reference (Surah Al-Imran, 3:47).
This moment teaches us that Allah’s power is boundless, and He can do anything beyond human understanding. Maryam’s astonishment was a natural human response, yet she accepted the divine will, displaying her trust in Allah’s wisdom.
6. The Fasting Vow: A Time of Purity
To protect her chastity and uphold her purity, Maryam was instructed by the angel to take a vow of silence and fasting when she would leave the temple to the people. She was told not to speak or interact with anyone, and to point to the child when questioned. This is significant because it represents Maryam’s complete devotion to her role as the mother of a prophet and her trust in Allah’s plan for her.
7. The Birth of Isa (Alai)
As the angel foretold, Maryam (Alai) gave birth to a son, Isa (Alai), in a miraculous event. The birth took place in a remote place, away from the city, where she experienced the pain and joy of childbirth. When Maryam returned to her people, they were shocked and began to accuse her, knowing her to be a chaste woman.
8. The Miracle: Baby Isa Speaks
When Maryam’s people confronted her with accusations, she pointed to the baby. To their astonishment, Isa (Alai) spoke from the cradle and defended his mother. He said, "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet." (Surah Maryam, 19:30). This miraculous speech proved Maryam’s purity and righteousness and silenced the accusations.
The baby speaking was a clear sign from Allah that Isa (Alai) was no ordinary child, but a prophet of Allah, chosen to guide his people.
9. The Role of Maryam in the Service of Allah
Maryam (Alai) was not only chosen to be the mother of Isa (Alai), but she was also a model of perfect devotion, chastity, and obedience to Allah. Her entire life was centered around worship and submission to Allah’s will. The Quran speaks highly of her, calling her the best of women in paradise.
Reference (Surah Al-Imran, 3:42).
She worked in the service of Allah’s house, and her dedication is an inspiration for all women to live lives of purity and devotion. Her actions showed that a woman can achieve the highest levels of righteousness through sincerity, dedication, and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
10. The Lesson: Why Allah Chose Maryam
Allah chose Maryam because of her unwavering chastity, purity, and dedication to His service. She was a woman of profound faith who submitted to the will of Allah, even when it involved the most difficult and challenging circumstances. Her example teaches us many lessons:
Trust in Allah’s Plan: Despite her own expectations, Maryam accepted Allah’s decision with full trust. She believed in Allah’s plan, even when it was beyond her understanding.
Chastity and Purity: Maryam’s life is an example of the virtue of chastity. Her dedication to purity, both in her personal life and in her relationship with Allah, is something every woman can aspire to.
Strength in the Face of Adversity: Maryam faced immense pressure and difficulty, from the miraculous conception to the accusations from her people. Yet, she remained steadfast in her faith and trust in Allah.
Devotion to Worship: Maryam’s life was centered around devotion to Allah. She spent her time worshiping in the temple, and this level of dedication to Allah is a lesson for all believers.
Maryam (Alai) remains an exemplary figure for women and for all Muslims. Her story reminds us that faith, purity, and trust in Allah will lead to divine blessings. She is not just the mother of a prophet, but a woman whose entire life exemplified devotion, righteousness, and submission to Allah's will. Her story serves as a guiding light for all who wish to live lives that please Allah.
Trust in Allah’s Plan: Despite her own expectations, Maryam accepted Allah’s decision with full trust. She believed in Allah’s plan, even when it was beyond her understanding.
Chastity and Purity: Maryam’s life is an example of the virtue of chastity. Her dedication to purity, both in her personal life and in her relationship with Allah, is something every woman can aspire to.
Strength in the Face of Adversity: Maryam faced immense pressure and difficulty, from the miraculous conception to the accusations from her people. Yet, she remained steadfast in her faith and trust in Allah.
Devotion to Worship: Maryam’s life was centered around devotion to Allah. She spent her time worshiping in the temple, and this level of dedication to Allah is a lesson for all believers.