Page 20 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman

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Mary was born at an unsettled time, when the Jews' only hope was
their expected Messiah (savior). Unknown to her, Allah had already de-
termined to choose and raise her for this holy duty. She was central to

the Israelites' expectations, for she would give birth to the Prophet Jesus
(pbuh), whom He compliments in the following terms: "His name is the
Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, of high esteem in this world and the
Hereafter, and one of those brought near. He will speak to people in
the cradle and when fully grown, and will be one of the believers"
(Surah Al 'Imran: 45-46).
Allah chose Mary to represent morality and true religion among
her people, who had left the true religion and embraced superstitions
and idle speculation. Allah reveals many aspects of her life, among them
her birth and family, the birth of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), her superior
character, and how she resisted her society's slanders and accusations.

Allah Exalts 'Imran's Family

Allah reveals that "Allah chose Adam and Noah, and the family
of Abraham and the family of 'Imran, over all other be-
ings—descendants one of the other..." (Surah Al
'Imran: 33-34). In other words, 'Imran's fami-

ly descended from the Prophets Adam
(pbuh), Noah (pbuh), and Abraham