|
THE FINAL MISSION [ Part Two ]  THE MOTHER OF JESUS?
The Qoranic revelation about Jesus begins in the third chapter, which is called the "Chapter of the Family of Imran." The Prophets of the Muslim-Christian-Judaic
tradition consist of one lineage, literally one family, so the story of the background of Jesus naturally begins with a derivative of "...and Abraham begat." Christians
and Jews will be familiar with this genealogical device from their own scriptures.
Chapter of the Family of Imran (Surat Al Imran) 33. God chose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and
the family of Imran above all people.
34. These (Prophets) were offspring, one of the other. God hears and knows all things.
35. The wife of Imran (the father of Mary) said: Lord, I dedicate what is in my womb for special service to You, so accept this from me, for You hear and know all things.
36. When she delivered her baby she said, Lord, behold, I have delivered a female child. God already knew best what she had brought forth. And is not the male like the
female? I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Your protection from Satan.
37. The Lord accepted Mary graciously. He made her grow in purity and beauty. She
was assigned to the care of Zachary (a priest married to Mary's cousin Elizabeth). Every time that he entered her chamber to see her, he found her supplied with
sustenance. He asked, Mary, from where have you been supplied with these provisions? She replied, From God, for God provides sustenance to whom He pleases, without measure.
The mother of Mary was named Anne, and her father was named Imran, from the Jewish priestly clan of Aaron. They were resident in Nazareth. It was customary for
women of this family to dedicate at least one son to serve in the Temple. For this reason Anne made a promise to God that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Temple as a devotee.
When Anne delivered a baby girl, who was named Mary, she was disappointed because of her vow. God, however, was pleased to accept the female child because
of the special honour to be bestowed on that innocent girl. Imran passed away and his wife was then responsible for bringing up their daughter in
a proper manner. When Mary approached the age of maturity, Anne brought her to the Temple to fulfil her vow. As it was necessary that the young girl have someone
to take care of her, the rabbis cast lots in a traditional manner to determine the result. The matter was decided by grace of God in favour of Zachary, who was the husband of Mary's older cousin Elizabeth.
Mary's Piety
Mary prayed and worshipped God devotedly. She gave herself wholly to the Creator, who bestowed many favours upon the chaste and innocent girl. Upon entering the
chamber of Mary, Zachary wondered from where such provisions had appeared. As there was no possibility of any other earthly source of such foods, the old man
marvelled at Mary's pious answer and himself prayed to God. Chapter of the Family of Imran (Surat Al Imran) 38. Zachary prayed to his Lord, saying. Lord, grant to me progeny who are pure, for You are indeed the One who hears our prayers.
39. While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called to him, God sends you good tidings, of John, confirming the truth of a Word from God. This child
shall be noble, chaste, and a Prophet, in the company of the righteous.
40. Zachary replied, Lord, how shall I have a son, seeing that I am very old, and my
wife is barren? The answer came, Thus does God accomplish what He wills.
41. Zachary said. Please Lord, give me a sign. The answer was, Your sign shall be
that you will be unable to speak to any man for three days, except by gesture. You will then celebrate in praise of your Lord again and again, glorifying Him in the evening and in the morning. Continues >>> |
