Page 58 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman
P. 58

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              one person in this lineage of the most devout and faithful people, and
              had her raised by these virtuous people.
                   He then gave her the character of a chosen and superior Prophet by

              entrusting her education to the Prophet Zacharia (pbuh). When she
              reached this level of maturity, Allah began to show her His miracles, and
              she clearly saw His grace, protection, and mercy upon herself. One ex-
              ample of this support and grace was that she found food on the altar
              whenever she worshipped Him. Later on, Allah introduced her to
              Gabriel, who told her about Allah's grace on her with his own words.
                   Mary demonstrated her genuine devotion and loyalty to Allah
                                        through her impeccable virtue and behavior.
                                                 She also expressed her profound
                                                      and genuine devotion to Him
                                                          through her determina-
                                                            tion, devotion, and un-
                                                             conditional surren-
                                                             der to His will.

                                                                  Being alone in
                                                             moments of great dif-
                                                             ficulty was a great
                                                             trial for her, because
                                                             she had no one to
                                                             help, support, or
                                                             guide her. Usually,
                                                             lonely people surren-
                                                             der to helplessness
                                                             and sadness. But


                                                             Cima da Conegliano's
                                                             painting, 1509-10. It is on
                                                             display in the Church of
                                                             the Carmini, Venice, Italy.
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