Islam confirms Maryam’s virginity at the miraculous birth of Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him), showcasing Allah’s unlimited power. The Quran highlights her purity and chosen status, emphasizing that the virgin birth is a sign of Allah’s omnipotence, not Jesus’ divinity, paralleling Adam’s creation.
In Islam, Mary (Maryam in Arabic), the mother of Jesus Christ, is highly revered as one of the greatest and most righteous women in history. She holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. The Quran explicitly states that Allah has chosen her amongst all women of the world to conceive Jesus (Isa in Arabic) through a miraculous act of God.
In this article, we will examine the question: Does Islam believe Mary was a virgin? Then, we will elaborate on Mary’s high status in Islam.
Does Islam Believe Mary Was A Virgin?
The answer is Yes. Islam does believe Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus Christ. Muslims believe that his birth was miraculous, by the will of God, as a sign of God’s omnipotence and a last warning to the arrogant, disobedient Children Of Israel.
This belief is a central aspect of Islamic teachings and underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’ (Isa, peace be upon him) birth.
Islam portrays Maryam as a figure of immense faith, piety, and trust in Allah. Despite the challenges and accusations she faced from her community, she remained steadfast, and Allah supported her with miraculous signs. One of these was the ability of the infant Jesus to speak from the cradle to defend her honor.
The Mary’s Virgin Birth Story in The Quran:
According to the Quran, Maryam conceived Jesus through a divine command from Allah, without any human intervention. This miraculous event is described in several passages of the Quran, emphasizing Allah’s absolute power and ability to create as He wills.
When Maryam questioned how she could have a child without being touched by any man, Allah’s response highlighted the miraculous nature of the event. The Quran states:
“She said, ‘My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?’ [The angel] said, ‘Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.'”
(Quran, 3:47)
The previous Quran Verse explicitly mentions Mary’s virginity and that she conceived Jesus Christ by the will of Allah without any human intervention.
The creation of Jesus and Adam is a proof for the virgin birth:
The virgin birth of Jesus is not seen in Islam as evidence of his divinity, but rather as a sign of Allah’s omnipotence and ability to create without limitation. The Quran draws a parallel between the creation of Jesus and Adam, further emphasizing this point:
“Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.”
The virgin birth of Jesus in Islam is a testament to Allah’s supreme power and a reminder to humanity of His ability to create without any constraints. It is viewed in Islam as a miracle that underscores the unique role of Maryam and the prophetic mission of Jesus, all while firmly affirming the oneness and sovereignty of Allah.
Jesus the Sone of Mary:
Jesus is often referred to in the Quran and the Sunnah as “Isa ibn Maryam” (Jesus, son of Mary), highlighting his maternal lineage. Which confirms that Islam and the Quran teach that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus.
Mary is regarded as one of the most important women in Islamic tradition and is mentioned by name numerous times in the Quran. This is due to many reasons.
Mary as being purified by Allah and chosen above all women
The Quran speaks of Mary as being purified by Allah and chosen above all women of the world.
In the Quran, Allah says:
“And ˹remember˺ when the angels said, “O Mary! Surely Allah has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world.”
Maryam’s purity and devotion to Allah were so profound that she was chosen and honored among all women. The Quran says:
Mary was a symbol of purity, faith, and submission to God’s will for all humanity. Her story serves as a powerful example for believers.
In the Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Mary, the daughter of Imran, was the best among the women (of the world of her time) and Khadija is the best amongst the women (of this nation).
However, in Islamic theology, divinity is reserved exclusively for Allah. Muslims believe that Mary, like all other human beings including Jesus Christ, was created by Allah and is a servant of Allah, not divine herself. She is revered for her purity, chastity, and devotion to God, and she holds a significant role in Islamic teachings, but she is not worshiped.
Conclusion
Islam affirms that Maryam (Mary) was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him). Her miraculous conception is a testament to Allah’s power, highlighting His ability to create without limitations. The Quran emphasizes her purity, chosen status, and unwavering faith, portraying her as a symbol of piety and devotion.
Unlike Christian theology, Islam views the virgin birth as a divine miracle, not evidence of Jesus’ divinity. Instead, it underscores Allah’s omnipotence, drawing parallels to Adam’s creation without parents, as stated:
“He created him from dust; then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.”
(Quran 3:59).
