Page 28 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman

26

Mary's Exemplary Chastity

Mary, like the rest of her family, was known among her people for
her devotion to Allah as well as her religiosity, chastity, and sincerity.
Allah speaks of her as someone obedient to Him.

And Mary, the daughter of 'Imran, who guarded her chastity—We
breathed Our Spirit into her. She confirmed the Words of her Lord and
His Book, and was one of the obedient. (Surat at-Tahrim: 12)
… and she who guarded her chastity. We breathed into her some of Our
Spirit and made her and her son a Sign for all the worlds. (Surat al-
Anbiya': 91)

Mary Meets Gabriel

Mary experienced many miracles throughout her life. One of these

was her meeting with Gabriel. Once, when she left her family and soci-
ety and went toward the east, she met Gabriel, who appeared to her in
the form of a well-built man:
Mention Mary in the Book, how she withdrew from her people to an
eastern place and concealed herself from them. Then We sent Our Spirit
to her, and it took on for her the form of a handsome, well-built man.
(Surah Maryam: 16-17)
Not knowing who this man was, she sought refuge with Allah and

told him that she held Allah in the utmost fear and respect: "She said: 'I
seek refuge from you with the All-Merciful, [leave me] if you have
fear [and respect] of Allah'" (Surah Maryam: 18). Her words clearly
demonstrate her complete trust in Allah, as well as the importance she