Thoughts on Surah Maryam, its merits and different shades of meaning- prepared by Maha Youssuf

1. Surah Maryam
Morals and Lessons

2. The 19th in order in the Quran

3. Like most Surahs of the Quran, Surah Maryam
tackles a variety of themes, yet the Oneness of
Allah remains its central subject matter,
presented differently through a number of
topics and parables involving a variety of
figures, including the noble Prophets such as;
Zachariah, John, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses,
Aaron, Ishmael, Idris, Adam, Noah and Jesus.
And this is perhaps one element that makes it
rich in lessons and morals that compel us to
reflect and contemplate their meanings.

4. The Surah furthermore portrays scenes from the
Day of Judgment, which also corresponds to the
central theme that is stressing the Oneness of Allah,
the Almighty.
Another element that adds more value to this
meritorious Surah is the vivid description of human
emotions and spiritual interaction with events
unfolding and the power of Allah manifesting in
His exemplary creation. The Surah speaks of the
the ebb and flow of human emotions represented
by Lady Maryam or Mary in handling, in fear, yet
devotion, the major event of the Surah; that is the
miraculous birth of Prophet Jesus.

5. Manners

6. Manners
The Story is rich in morality and fine manners represented in the figures of the many
Prophets mentioned in it. It sketches the manners of Prophet Jesus and how he was kind
and dutiful to his mother:
“He has made me kind to my mother, not haughty or bereft of grace.” - (Verse 32)
The Surah also touches on the notion of devotion and submission to Allah represented in
the figure of Prophet Zachariah, a devouted servant of Allah who implored Him and
supplicated to Him relentlessly, humbly, and submissively in hope of having a son. And
Prophet John, who was obedient to his parents of a kind and gentle nature:
”And affection from Us and purity, and he was fearing of Allah. And dutiful to his parents, and
he was not a disobedient tyrant.”- (Verses 13 and 14)
Over and above, words such as tenderness, compassion, devotion and their derivatives
are mentioned repetitively and variously throughout the noble Surah, which invites us to
stop and contemplate their connotations, being primary qualities shaping the Muslim
character.

7. Allah’s Attributes

8. Allah’s Attributes
Besides the Oneness of Allah, that is the central theme of the
Surah in hand, His Supreme Attributes, ranging from Mercy,
Domineering Will, Power, Supreme Lordship, Absolute
Wisdom and Justice in compensating His obedient servants
and punishing those who’ve gone astray, are clearly stressed
and portrayed through the noble verses of Surah Maryam.

9. Allah’s Attributes- continued
Examples from the Surah:
- “ It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He
decrees an affair, He only says to it, "Be," and it is.”- (Verse 35)
-“[This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zechariah.” –
(Verse 2)
-“He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them.”-
(Verse 65)
- [An angel] said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, for I
created you before, while you were nothing.' ” (Verse 19)
-“Indeed, it is We who will inherit the earth and whoever is on it, and to Us
they will be returned.”- (Verse 40 )

10. The Will of Allah
Only Allah can suspend and change
the universal law of procreation

11. Miracles
The Surah involves TWO primary events involving the intervention of
Allah’s will and Supreme Power to suspend the law of procreation, an
outright miracle challenging the Human capacity and mind capabilities
alike.
The two incidents or rather miracles in the Surah are: FIRST the miraculous
birth of Prophet Jesus who was born to a virgin mother; the virtuous Lady
Maryam.
The SECOND is the birth of John who was born to an aged father who was
desperate to have a son, even if he had reached such old age.
All natural laws and order submit before the Will and Power of Almighty
Allah.

12. Last but not least, the Surah challenges claims and heresy attributed to
Almighty Allah, on top of which is the claim that He, Exalted be He, has
a son.
Surah Maryam is one of the Surahs of the Quran that rejuvenates one’s
faith and certainty of the Supremacy and Lordship of Allah- The One
and only Creator of the Universe who has no father or son.
Wassalaam.
Maha Youssuf