The birth of Prophet "Isa" (AS) "Jesus" Part 3

Mary’s devotion to God was at that time unparalleled, but her faith was about to be tested.

Allah Preferred Mary over All Other Women

Mary was a most devout Muslim who genuinely dedicated herself to our Lord, praised His name, and turned toward Him in prayer constantly throughout her life. Allah chose Mary and ensured that she would be educated in the best manner, purified from all wickedness, and preferred above all other women. Allah relates her superiority:

And when the angels said: "Mary, Allah has chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you over all other women. Mary, obey your Lord and prostrate and bow with those who bow." (Surah Al 'Imran: 42-43)

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 society 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)

While she was in seclusion from everybody, a man appeared before Mary. God said:

“She screened herself from them; We sent to her Our Spirit, and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects.” (Quran19:17) 

Not knowing who this man was, she sought refuge with Allah and told him that she held Allah in the utmost fear and respect: Mary was afraid and tried to flee. She appealed to God saying:

 "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 placed upon chastity and devotion to Allah. Her words not only expressed all of this, but also called upon this unknown man to have fear and respect of Allah.

Gabriel introduced himself with the following words

 The angel said: “I am only a Messenger from your Lord to you, announcing the gift of a righteous son.” (Quran 19:18-19)

The angels said again : "Mary, your Lord gives you good news of a Word from Him. His name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, of high esteem in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near." (Surah Al 'Imran: 45) 

Mary was amazed and puzzled by these words. She was not married, rather a virgin who kept chaste. She asked incredulously:

“‘O my Lord! How will I have a son when no man has touched me?’ He said, “So (it will be): for God creates what He wills; when He has decreed something, He says to it only ‘Be’ – and it is.” (Quran 3:47)

Gabriel told her that: He [Gabriel] said: "It will be so." Allah creates whatever He wills. When He decides on something, He just says to it, "Be!" and it is. (Surah Al 'Imran: 47)

God created Adam from the dust of the earth, without either mother or father. He created Eve from Adam's rib; and created Jesus without a father, but with a mother, the pious Virgin Mary.

God, who has only to say ‘Be’ to a thing in order to bring it into existence via the Angel Gabriel.

“And We breathed into it through Our Spirit, and she testified to the truth of the Words of her Lord ...” (Quran 66:12)

He said: "It will be so." Your Lord says: "That is easy for Me. It is so that We can make him a Sign for humanity and a mercy from Us. It is a matter already decreed." So she conceived him and withdrew with him to a distant place. (Surah Maryam: 21-22)

Mary's Withdrawal

Allah reveals "So she conceived him and withdrew with him to a distant place" (Surah Maryam: 22).

In this distant place to which she retreated, Allah supported her with His grace and protection and met all of her material and psychological needs during her pregnancy.

No doubt, Mary withdrew from her society for many reasons. For example, Allah removed her from her people's criticism, for they could not understand her miraculous situation. This also enabled her to spend this period in a state of contentment and peace. Later on, by another miracle, Allah revealed her miraculous circumstances, refuted all of the accusations and slanders directed toward her, and restored her impeccable reputation.

By Allah's will, Mary became pregnant with the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and yet remained a virgin. Her pregnancy was independent of this world's usual cause-and-effect relationship. The circumstances of his conception were among the features of the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) miracles. 

 Time passed, and Mary became afraid of what the people around her would say. She wondered how they could possibly believe that no man had touched her. Then, as the time came for her to give birth, Mary decided to leave Jerusalem, and travelled towards the city of Bethlehem. Even though Mary must have recalled the words of God, for her faith was strong and unwavering, this young woman was anxious and uneasy. But the angel Gabriel reassured her:

“O Mary, Verily God gives you glad tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and will be one of those who are near to God.” (Quran 3:45)

And Jesus was born   to be continued