Source & Credit: Finger Lakes Times | December 18, 2009
Sardar Anees Ahmad | Waterloo, New York
December marks a traditional rise in dialogue between Muslims and Christians regarding their understanding of the office of Jesus Christ. The discussions are enjoyable, often fruitful, but I am surprised that these discussions afford far less attention to Mary, mother of Jesus.
Readers may be surprised to learn that Islam presents a most virtuous picture of Mary. Of the twenty-eight times the Qur’an mentions Jesus, more than half describe him as “Jesus, Son of Mary” – in effect identifying Jesus with the individual who had the most impact on his life. The Qur’an (4:157) records God’s unique and jealous attachment to Mary, noting that Mary’s enemies were cursed for uttering a calumny against her. The Qur’an (19:20-23) also confirms the miracle of the Immaculate Conception. Mary is mentioned more times in the Qur’an than in the Bible, a chapter of which bears her name (Chapter 19). The Islamic view of Mary can be summed up in one Qur’anic verse: “And remember when the angels said, ‘O Mary, Allah has chosen thee and purified thee and chosen thee above all women of all peoples’” (3:43).
But why is Mary treated with reverence, and what relevance does she hold for today? The Qur’an (66:13) presents Mary as a model to emulate. In doing so, the Qur’an places her amongst elite company – the prophets of God, the wives of Prophet Muhammad, and Aasiya, wife of Pharaoh. Furthermore, Mary’s birth holds great import in regards to gender equality issues. The Qur’an (3:36-37) notes that Mary’s mother wished for a child to devote to God’s service but became dismayed when she learned she was bestowed with a daughter. Mary’s mother was told, “The male she desired to have was not like the female she was delivered” (3:37). Mary’s birth, therefore, is a sweeping confirmation of Islam’s belief in the equality of sexes. Righteousness, not gender, dictates superiority.
Mary was also privy to Jesus’ company more so than any other individual, serving as an advisor and friend. Furthermore, Mary was the most devoted believer in Christ’s prophethood, more so than even Christ’s disciples. Indeed, it was Mary who remained steadfast at the time of crucifixion. In this manner, Mary exemplifies the role a devoted and talented mother can play in the life of her child. Noting the important position a mother occupies, Prophet Muhammad remarked, “Paradise lies at the feet of the mother” (Ibn Majah).
A Jewish woman who Christian’s and Muslim’s revere and adore, Mary is also an embodiment of the potential for interreligious harmony. Perhaps only the great patriarch Abraham enjoys a similar position.
Both her demeanor and clothing demonstrate that beauty is found in chastity and modesty. In emulating her example, Muslim women view Mary as a role model, adorn a dress very similar to Mary’s, and are often given the name ‘Maryam’ as well. Muslims are also reminded of Mary’s intelligence which, born out of her pious nature, allowed her to overcome tremendous hardships.
We see Mary, then, as occupying a unique position in all of human history. Faced with derision from her countrymen and unimaginable hardships due to the office her beloved son occupied, she never folded. Mary remains a potent force for the materialization of brotherhood amongst one-half of the entire world population. Because of her undying attachment to a truly transcendent quality – piety – the example Mary set forth nearly 2,000 years ago remains just as relevant today.
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