وَمَرْيَمَ ٱبْنَتَ عِمْرَٰنَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِنَا وَصَدَّقَتْ بِكَلِمَـٰتِ رَبِّهَا وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَكَانَتْ مِنَ ٱلْقَـٰنِتِينَ 12
Translations
And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of ʿImrān, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel [i.e., Gabriel], and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.
Transliteration
Wa Maryama ibnatа 'Imrānа al-latī aḥsanat farjahā fa nafakhnā fīhi min rūḥinā wa ṣaddaqat bi kalimāti rabbihā wa kutubih wa kānat mina al-qānitīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah praises Maryam (Mary), daughter of 'Imrān, for her exceptional piety and chastity in guarding her purity, and confirms that Allah breathed His Spirit (Rūḥ) into her—referring to the miraculous conception of 'Īsā (Jesus) without a father. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this ayah establishes Maryam's unique spiritual station: she believed in Allah's words and scriptures and was among the devoutly obedient (al-qānitūn), making her a model of faith and righteousness. The mention of guarding her chastity (aḥsanat farjahā) not only refers to physical purity but also to her spiritual integrity and complete submission to Allah's will.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Tahrim (Chapter 66) is Medinan and addresses various prohibitions and moral lessons. This ayah appears in the context of examples of believing women and their virtues, contrasting those who obey Allah with those who disobey. The surah uses Maryam as an exemplary figure of faith, particularly relevant to the Medinan community's need for moral guidance regarding family, obedience, and spiritual commitment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best women of the world are Maryam bint 'Imrān, Khadījah bint Khuwaylid, Fāṭimah bint Muḥammad, and 'Āishah bint Abī Bakr' (Jāmi' at-Tirmidhī). Additionally, 'Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib reported that the Prophet called Maryam 'the leader of the women of Paradise' (Sunan Ibn Mājah).
Themes
Key Lesson
Maryam's example teaches believers that true honor lies not in wealth or status but in guarding one's character, maintaining faith in Allah's signs, and complete devotion to obedience—qualities that transcend gender and remain eternally relevant. Her story reminds us that extraordinary spiritual achievement comes through steadfastness in faith, purity of intention, and unwavering trust in Allah's wisdom, even when facing trials that seem impossible to human understanding.