Lady Maryam (sa), known as Mary in English, is one of the most honoured women in the Quran. She is the mother of Prophet Isa (as) and is praised for her purity, devotion, and unwavering trust in Allah (swt). The Quran dedicates an entire chapter (Surah Maryam) to her story.
In the Quran, few stories are told with as much reverence, beauty, and emotional depth as the story of Lady Maryam (sa).
This is a woman chosen above all others, a symbol of purity and unwavering trust in Allah (swt).
In moments of fear or uncertainty, we can look to Lady Maryam (sa) and find the timeless strength of a woman who stood alone, yet never without Allah (swt).
“And remember when the angels said, ‘O Maryam! Allah has indeed chosen you from the family of the prophets, purified you and chosen you for the birth of ‘Isa over all the women of the world.’” (Quran 3:42)
Alone, But Not Abandoned
Lady Maryam (sa) faced trials that would test the heart of any human being.
She withdrew in seclusion for worship, devoted entirely to Allah (swt). When she was given the news of a miraculous birth, she responded with confusion, but not rejection.
And when the time came, she bore the pain of childbirth alone under a palm tree, armed only with her faith and devotion.
“The birth pangs forced her to sit by the trunk of a dry palm tree. She felt very distressed and worried about her reputation. She said, ‘I wish I would have died before this and become a completely forgotten person so that no one will slander me!’” (Quran 19:23)
This moment of human despair is not hidden in the Quran. It is honoured.
It reminds us that faith is not the absence of hardship, but the strength to endure it with trust in Allah (swt).
Faith in the Midst of Fear
Even in her lowest moment, Allah (swt) did not abandon her.
“But he called her from below her, ‘Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates.’” (Quran 19:24–25)
In divine miracles, there is always a message: she was told to shake the tree: to act, even in her weakness, to claim the sustenance Allah (swt) had placed before her.
Lady Maryam (sa) shows us that trust in Allah (swt) is not passive. It is a courageous, quiet strength that moves forward even when the world turns away.
You sadaqah today could do the same, giving someone strength and hope in a time of desperate need.
Why Does the Story of Lady Maryam (sa) Matter?
For millions of families around the world today, especially widows, single mothers, and children facing poverty, the story of Lady Maryam (sa) is more than sacred history.
It is a reflection of their lived experience.
Many endure hardship in silence, carrying the weight of their families with dignity. They too feel forgotten. They too face judgment.
At The Zahra Trust, we see these stories every day.
In a widow comforting her child through a freezing night. In a young orphan still attending school despite hunger. In families who, like Lady Maryam (sa), place their trust in Allah (swt) even when their world feels uncertain.
Your compassion allows The Zahra Trust to act swiftly and support families not as victims, but as resilient souls, echoing the same strength that Lady Maryam (sa) showed.
“O you who believe! In moments of distress, seek help through patience and prayers. Surely, Allah is with the patient ones.” (Quran 2:153)
Her Legacy Is Alive Today
Lady Maryam (sa) was chosen not because she never struggled, but because she struggled with grace, and endured with trust in Allah (swt).
Her faith changed the world, and it continues to strengthen ours.
Her story reminds us: with faith and strength, hardship can be overcome, no matter the odds.
FAQ
Her story teaches us that true faith means trusting Allah (swt) even in moments of isolation, fear, or difficulty. Despite facing judgment, loneliness, and physical hardship, Lady Maryam (sa) remained patient and obedient; a model of spiritual strength for all believers.
Key verses include:
- Surah Aal Imran (3:42): “Allah has chosen you above the women of all worlds.”
- Surah Maryam (19:23–25): Describes her pain during childbirth and Allah’s (swt) mercy in her moment of distress.
These verses highlight both her trials and the divine support she received.
Lady Maryam (sa) is a timeless role model, especially for those experiencing hardship. Her resilience, modesty, and reliance on Allah (swt) offer practical lessons in patience, strength, and dignity; qualities still deeply needed in our lives today.
The Zahra Trust reflects her values by supporting vulnerable families, particularly widows, orphans, and those in crisis, with compassion and dignity. Just as Lady Maryam (sa) remained steadfast through hardship, those supported by The Zahra Trust are shown as resilient and dignified, not dependent.
