The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, “The best of women among the people of Paradise are Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad, Maryam bint ‘Imran (Virgin Mary), and ‘Asiyah bint Muzahim, the wife of Pharaoh.” [1] Allah has chosen Maryam to be among the four best women. It is because of her unique qualities and full submission towards Allah. Here are a few interesting points about Maryam bint Imran for us to know and ponder.

A chaste woman who gave birth to a baby without a father

Angel Jibrail came to visit Maryam in her private room and gave her the glad tidings of a son who would be a prophet. She accepted it with full submission towards Allah, even though she was a chaste, virgin lady who had never been touched by any man. She faced the challenges of carrying her baby and raising him with patience and full trust in the will of Allah. 

In Surah Maryam, from verse 16 to verse 33, Allah informs us of the story about Maryam (Virgin Mary) and the birth of Prophet Eesa. When she was given the news about the conception, Maryam submitted to Allah’s will and decree. Jibreel breathed into the sleeves of Maryam’s garment. She conceived Eesa, and she withdrew with him to a distant place (Bethlehem valley). She bore the childbirth pain and faced her people, carrying the baby with patience. 

Maryam, as a woman, has attained the state of perfection 

According to Ibn Hajar, many men have achieved a state of perfection, but not women. They are the prophets, the martyrs, the truthful, and a few others. Many men have these characteristics, but not many women have achieved this state, except a few.

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “There were many men who achieved perfection, and none were perfect among women but Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh, and Mary, the daughter of ‘Imran (Virgin Mary). Verily, the virtue of Aisha over other women is like the virtue of a fine stew over all other foods.” [2] 

Maryam is called the sister of Haroon 

Mughira ibn Shu’ba reported: When I came to Najran, the Christian monks asked me, “You recite the verse, ‘O sister of Aaron’ (19:28). Moses was born long before Jesus in many years.” When I came back to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, I asked him about it. He said, “Verily, they would name people with the names of prophets and righteous people who had passed before them.” [3]

As all of us know, Prophet Haroon is the brother of Prophet Moosa. They lived many generations before the birth of Prophet Eesa. Maryam came from the tribe of Prophet Haroon. Good family members and ancestors will indirectly mold the qualities of a particular person. 

Even though the points are simple, it is good for us to reflect on them. Maryam bint Imran’s story is a good reflection for all women and young girls to reflect upon. I love to remind all of us and start with myself, to always remember and emulate Maryam’s qualities. Her submission towards Allah, patience, and qualities good for us to ponder with hope to be like her, to attain Allah’s pleasure. 

[1] Reported from Ibn Abbas, Musnad Aḥmad 2896, Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

[2] Reported from Abu Moosa, Saḥiḥ al-Bukhari 3230, Sahih Muslim 2431 (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

[3] Sahih Muslim 2135, (authentic) according to Muslim