What does the Quran say about Mary?
Yes, the Quran says a lot about Mary, and all of it is honoring. Mary (Maryam), the mother of Jesus, is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, and a whole surah, Surah Maryam (19), is named after her. The Quran describes her as chosen and purified by Allah, a woman of deep worship, and the virgin mother of Jesus.
Chosen above the women of the worlds
The Quran tells Mary's story from before her birth. Her mother dedicated her to Allah's service, named her Mary, and asked Allah to protect her and her child from Satan (Quran 3:36). She grew up in the care of the prophet Zechariah, who would find food with her in her prayer chamber, and she would say it came from Allah (Quran 3:37).
The Prophet ﷺ also honored her, saying that Mary, the daughter of Imran, "was the best among the women (of the world of her time)" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3432). In another hadith he said every newborn is touched by Satan "except Mary and her child" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3431).
The virgin birth of Jesus
Surah Maryam describes an angel coming to Mary with news of a son. Her reply is very human: "How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?" (Quran 19:20). The angel answered that it is easy for Allah. Muslims believe in the virgin birth, just as Christians do.
The Quran then describes her giving birth alone under a palm tree, in great pain, and Allah comforting her with water and dates. When she returned to her people and was accused, she pointed to the baby, and baby Jesus spoke to defend her, saying he was a servant of Allah and a prophet (Quran 19:30).
Where Islam and Christianity differ
- Same respect: both honor Mary as pure and chosen, and both believe in the virgin birth.
- Different view of Jesus: in Islam, Jesus is a great prophet and the Messiah, but not God or the son of God. So Mary is not called "Mother of God."
- No prayers to her: Muslims love Mary but pray only to Allah.
The Quran even holds her up as a model for all believers, men and women, as someone who "believed in the words of her Lord" (Quran 66:12). See Do I have to believe Jesus isn't God to become Muslim?
A bridge with Christian family
Many converts find Mary a beautiful point of connection with Christian parents. Reading Surah Maryam together, or sharing what the Quran says about her at Christmas, often surprises family members in a good way. See Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same God?
- Mary is the only woman named in the Quran.
- Surah 19 is named after her.
- The Quran affirms her purity and the virgin birth of Jesus.
- Muslims honor her deeply but don't worship her.
People also ask
Which English translation of the Quran should I read?
It depends, but popular choices include Sahih International, The Clear Quran by Mustafa Khattab and Abdel Haleem's translation.
Read the full answer →Can I wear jewelry with Quran verses on it?
It depends on how you use it. Many scholars allow it if it's respected and removed in the bathroom, but not as a protective charm.
Read the full answer →Can I quote Quran verses on social media?
Yes, if you quote accurately and respectfully: cite surah and verse, use a reliable translation and avoid jokes or memes.
Read the full answer →Do I have to read Surah Yasin for the dead?
No, it isn't required. The hadith on reading Yasin for the dying is weak per many scholars; dua, janazah and charity are clearly established.
Read the full answer →What do I do when I reach a sajdah verse in the Quran?
Yes, there's a special prostration: say Allahu akbar, prostrate once, glorify Allah and rise. Most say it's sunnah; Hanafis say wajib.
Read the full answer →