By Fizah Lee

Who doesn't know a woman who is quite strong in her trials, namely Maryam. She is the daughter of Hannah binti Faqudz and Imran. The name Imran is famous enough that the story of her family is recorded in Surah Imran.

The story of Maryam is also recorded in Surah Maryam which also includes the stories of Prophet Zakaria and Prophet Yahya as well as Prophet Ibrahim and his father.

However, this entry is not to show the stories recorded through the surah, but to explore the greatness of this great figure, namely Maryam binti Imran.

In a narration from Saidatina 'Aishah RA, it is mentioned that the Messenger of Allah SAW said:

Meaning: "The leaders of the women of Paradise are four, namely; Maryam bint Imran, Fatimah bint Rasulullah, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid and Asiyah." _{(HR Hakim, no. 4853)}

This hadith shows that Maryam was a very great woman, to the point that she was one of the leaders of the people of Paradise.

Belonging to the Obedient

Maryam's qualities are also mentioned in other surahs such as At-Tahrim which says that she was an honorable woman who always tried to maintain her dignity.

And Mary, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her [womb] through Our spirit, and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was among the devoutly obedient.

Mafhum: “And also (another example of comparison, namely): Maryam bint Imran (the mother of Prophet Jesus, a woman) who guarded her chastity and purity (from being touched by men: but because We had destined her to have a child) then We commanded Gabriel to breathe into her of Our spirit (creation); and (even though Maryam lived among the disbelievers) she testified to the truth of the Words of her Lord and His Books; and she was of the obedient.” _{(Surah At-Tahrim, 66:12)}

Through the above argument, it describes Maryam as a woman who was always obedient to religion and never turned away from Allah.

Maryam's story is proof that the tests that God throws at humans are to bring the soul closer to God.

It depends on how each person understands the test they are going through. The nature of the test is to strengthen their dependence on Allah.

And that is what Maryam has demonstrated, who has always been faithful to God not only in her happy times, but also in her times of trial.

Zakaria as His Guardian

Maryam grew up among the honorable children of Israel, known as a woman who was diligent in her worship and blessed by God by being under the care of Zakaria.

So her Lord accepted her with a good acceptance and caused her to grow up in a good manner and put her in the care of Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the sanctuary, he found her provided with sustenance. He said, “O Mary, from where did this come to you?” She said, “It is from God. Indeed, God provides for whom He wills without account.”

Meaning: "So she (Mary, who was vowed by her mother) was accepted by her Lord with a good acceptance and raised with a good upbringing and handed over to the Prophet Zakaria to be cared for. Every time the Prophet Zakaria entered to meet Mary in the mihrab, he found sustenance (extraordinary fruits) with her. The Prophet Zakaria asked: "Where did you find these fruits, O Mary?" Mary replied: "It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills without measure." _{(Surah Imran, 3:37)}

Zakaria, who was her closest relative, raised Maryam with all his love and provided her with good religious knowledge.

Maryam spent more of her life in Jerusalem than outside. This proves that Maryam devoted herself more to Allah and was given a special place by Zakaria to focus on worship.

Maryam is also known by the title Adzra which means virgin girl. She has many other privileges mentioned in the Quran and its evidence. Among them are:

#1 – The only woman whose name became a surah in the Quran

#2 – Descended from a respected and protected lineage. Also cared for by the messenger of Allah and gave birth to Prophet Jesus (PBUH).

#3 – Is the best female role model of all time.

#4 – Chosen by Allah to receive a very great trust, namely to be the mother of Prophet Jesus (PBUH).

In the Quran or hadith, there is no further explanation regarding the date of his death, but it is mentioned in several books such as the one written by Ulama At-Tabari, which states that he died around 20 years after the event of Prophet Jesus being taken up to heaven.

Date of Input: 07/05/2026 | Updated: 07/05/2026 | asmunir